Iran's strategic importance for China

 Iran's strategic importance for China

World Economy: Following the introduction of a 25-year agreement between Iran and China, the publication of the Center for International and Strategic Studies examined the dimensions and consequences of this possible agreement. The analysis underscores Iran's strategic importance to China, saying that following the agreement, Tehran and Beijing could become strategic allies of each other. The agreement goes on to say that the agreement could be a prelude to China's challenge to the United States in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. The growing competition between the United States and China for trade and presence in the South China Sea is so widespread and multifaceted that it is sometimes easy to ignore China's changing behavior in other regions. In the last few weeks, a step has been taken that can really have a vital impact on such competition. On July 6, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif announced that his country was negotiating an agreement with China that could bring the two countries to the level of strategic allies. This could lead to the rapid expansion of competition between China and the United States to other parts of the world. The deal may in some ways provide an option for Iran to face US sanctions and some of its Arab neighbors. Numerous reports indicate that this agreement could be an important strategic link between the two countries," said Anthony Cordezmann, senior analyst at the Center for International and Strategic Studies, according to the International Economics Group. China and Iran turn the key and turn them into each other's strategic partners. In addition, such a move could be a prelude to challenging US positions in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. Of course, these reports are somewhat exaggerated, but they show that the agreement could include military ties and, consequently, the massive sale of Chinese weapons to Iran, and bring in $ 400 billion in investment in Iran's infrastructure so that it can build railways, airports, and telecommunications networks. And update the Iranian Internet. In return, China can receive a significant discount on Iranian oil and gas over the next 25 years.China will be able to involve Iran in its one-way belt-building plan, as well as open free trade zones in the cities of Mako, Abadan and Qeshm. Reports claim that on this basis, China could also have good access to the port of Jask. In fact, perhaps this agreement could give Iran more maneuvering power to confront its Arab neighbors and the United States.The fact that China will provide Iran with weapons and technologies has not been answered yet. In addition, China is likely to invest in Iran's energy facilities, as the Iranians have stated that they plan to increase oil production capacity to eight million barrels per day.S Suchreports are likely to be true when considered in the context of China's recent policies. Such reports are likely to be true when considered in the context of China's recent policies. China has sought to gain influence in the Persian Gulf since the eight-year Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. Since then, the country has expanded its influence in the region. Beijing has steadily increased its diplomatic presence, meetings and investments in the region. If we look only at China's actions in the region over the past decade, it is clear that China is trying to secure its energy resources from the Persian Gulf, compete with the United States and India, and hope for a day of an actor and power. Become a major power in the Persian Gulf and Pacific region, as it is now a major power in Asia-Pacific.Beijing has always moved to develop military and economic influence and to seek arms deals. However, China has had little success so far and has only been able to sell surface-to-surface missiles to Saudi Arabia and some unspecified missile technologies to Iran.

China has also made Pakistan a key ally in the One-Way Belt Initiative and now plays a key role in the construction and development of Pakistan's Gwadar port near the Sea of ​​Oman. China continues to expand its presence in Cambodia and Myanmar and has built a port in Sri Lanka.China's investment in the Middle East is still limited, with its trading partners fluctuating as oil markets fluctuate and US anti-Iran sanctions pose a serious obstacle. However, Beijing has made significant investments in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. In addition, it is reported that the Chinese are in talks with the Bahraini side to invest in the technology sector of this Arab country.

Of course, one of the obvious reasons for these actions is China's clear prospect of competing with the United States. But the most important reason is to guarantee access to Persian Gulf petrochemical exports in times of crisis or military conflict with Washington.China is by far the largest importer of petrochemical products in the world and is becoming increasingly dependent on these imports. It now imports 70 percent of its petrochemical needs, with 40 percent coming from the Gulf oil states.

For these reasons, bringing Iran together could be an important change for China in several areas. So far, most of China's petrochemical imports have come from the Gulf Arab states, especially after US sanctions against Iran's oil industry were lifted.Many experts predicted that China would either remain silent in the face of escalating tensions between Iran and the region's Arabs, or move slightly toward the Arab world if necessary. These tensions, which include trade, the Taiwan issue, Hong Kong, and the military presence in the South China Sea, have recently been highlighted by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

According to the report's author, these developments may explain why China is now willing to sign a strategic cooperation agreement with Iran.China may think it can play the Iranian card with the least risk against Washington and at the same time play Iran and its Arab neighbors against each other. Beijing may also have a glimpse of making Iran dependent on China, as the possibility of Chinese involvement in any military confrontation between Iran and the United States is slim. China may want to play a disruptive role in relations between the countries of the region or even mediate to normalize relations between Iran and its Of course, it should be emphasized that the future of the Iran-China strategic agreement is still unpredictable, but some things seem clear. Even if all the recent reports are false, it is clear that China will face an increasing threat of strategic competition from the Chinese in areas beyond Taiwan and the South China Sea, such as the Middle East. It is also becoming clear that the United States cannot count on the support of its Arab partners if it does not show its willingness to stay in the region.Arab neighbors at the expense of the United States.In addition, Iran may have an option to counter the effects of sanctions and arms imports that have not received much attention from American politicians, in which case Russia will also play a role. It is clear that the level of competition between China and the United States is increasing. The United States needs to know that competing with China and Russia these days means global military and civilian competition.