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Iran's new president, Massoud · Pezeshkian, released harsh words as soon as he took office, saying that China's cooperation was not fast enough. Is this to turn around and deny people and kick China away? Don't worry, let's take our time. The doorway is not simple, and China is not the master of being manipulated.
Speaking of which, the "iron buddies" of Iran and China are a bit of a beginning. In 2021, the two countries signed a 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement, which was vigorous. This agreement is not a joke, but focuses on the hardcore content of economic and security cooperation. Energy, transportation infrastructure, information technology, that is the focus of real cooperation.
Don't underestimate this agreement, it's a lifesaver for Iran. You know, since United States withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed economic sanctions on Iran, Iran has not had a good time. The oil export market is stuck in the neck, international financial transactions are difficult to move forward, and foreign exchange reserves are like buckets that have leaked to the bottom. In this case, cooperation with China is simply a lifesaver for Iran to maintain its economy.
China has invested a lot in Iran. Railway and port construction are the focus of Chinese investment in Iran. Don't look at Iran's bitter sanctions, China has become the main buyer and largest business partner of Iran's oil under pressure. This friendship is not shallow, but it is also really deep.
But at this time, Iran's new president, Pezeshkian, suddenly appeared and criticized the speed of China's cooperation. This can make everyone stunned. Some people say that this is the rhythm of Iran to "kick out China". But is that really the case?
Wait, don't rush to conclusions. We have to see through this surface with a keen eye. Pezeshkian's remarks were not just for China. There are so many doorways here.
Some international experts have analyzed that this is the new president's internal "muscles." Do you think that when a new official takes office, he must give an explanation to the people in the country and show the position and determination of the new president. Although this sound harsh, it is a resounding slap in the face, telling everyone: "Look, our new president is not a bully!" "
At the same time, to put it bluntly, this is putting pressure on China. Cooperation projects are progressing slowly, and Iran is anxious. Isn't this just a knock on China and urging cooperation projects to accelerate? This trick can be described as a bitter trick, if you beat yourself up, China has to be distressed, right?
It also suggests that Iran wants more diplomatic and economic autonomy. You can't put all your eggs in one basket, right? Iran is leaving a way back for itself and wants to gain more say on the international stage.
Finally, this is Iran's balancing dependence on China. As the saying goes, "If you rely too much on one person, you will get stuck sooner or later". Iran is balancing itself so as not to be led by China.
So these words seem to be kicking China away, but in fact they are playing a diplomatic balancing act. Iran wants to step on a few more boats on the international stage.
We have to mention Iran's diplomatic strategy. Iran is not stupid enough to hug only China's thighs. They are making their way around in search of a diverse range of economic partners. Europe, Russia, India, Iran are all trying to strengthen relations. Not only that, but they are also improving relations with Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and other Middle Eastern countries. This move can be described as a multi-faceted attack, which is to gain more support and voice within the region and internationally.
Our title also mentions Saudi Arabia as a "hole card". That's right, this is a trump card for China in the Middle East!
Recently, Chinese companies have been fighting with Saudi Arabia to jointly invest in the construction of the photovoltaic industry. What a clever move! On the one hand, it has engaged in 25 years of comprehensive cooperation with Iran, and on the other hand, it has hooked up with Saudi Arabia. Isn't this just the Middle East?
Even better, China is also pushing for the normalization of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. That's a lot of hands! If Iran and Saudi Arabia can reconcile, won't China's position in the Middle East be more stable? That's a great strategy to kill three birds with one stone!
But there's another elephant here, and that's United States. United States has deep-rooted interests in the Middle East. Iran's alliance with China and Saudi Arabia could pose a geostrategic challenge to United States. This great power game is really exciting!
Speaking of which, we have to mention China's strategic layout in the Middle East. China is not just eyeing Iran and Saudi Arabia. Across the Middle East, China is seeking diversified partnerships. This trick is really clever, attacking from all sides, no one can be offended, and no one can afford to be offended.
But this strategy is not without its risks. China's strategic presence in the Middle East is likely to cause alarm among other countries in the region. After all, no one wants to see an outside force too active on their doorstep, do they?
Looking back at Iran, their situation is a bit awkward. On the one hand, they need China's economic support and political asylum. But on the other hand, they are afraid of being led by the nose by China. No, Pezeshkian's remarks are a manifestation of the search for strategic autonomy. They want to maintain cooperation with China without being completely dependent on China. It's a tightrope walk!
In the final analysis, Iran's strategic cooperative relationship with China is based on economic interests and the need for common security. Iran needs China's economic support to counter United States sanctions, and China needs Iran's oil and geopolitical support. This kind of mutually beneficial relationship is not easy to break.
Therefore, Pezeshkian's remarks are not so much to kick China away, but to sound the alarm bell for China. This is a reminder to China not to take Iran too seriously, Iran has other options. But at the same time, there is also a hint of helplessness in these words. After all, in the current international situation, can Iran find a better partner than China? The answer, I'm afraid, is no.
The geopolitical situation in the Middle East is complex. Every country is striving to maximize its own national interests. Iran wants to be left and right among the great powers, China wants to expand its influence in the Middle East, and United States wants to maintain its hegemony. This game is really exciting!
Despite Pezeshkyan's harsh words, relations between Iran and China should not change much in the short term. After all, in the current international situation, both countries need each other. However, Iran is likely to be more aggressive in seeking other partners to balance its dependence on China. China, on the other hand, will continue to diversify its strategy in the Middle East, neither relying entirely on Iran nor abandoning Iran entirely.
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China and Iran signed the "25-year comprehensive cooperation plan", this agreement is unusual and not simple——Original2021-03-28 12:38· Beijing News