The visit of a high-level Iranian delegation to Beijing stirred discussions across capitals as Tehran and Beijing navigated a complex landscape of security concerns, economic interests, and regional influence. Iran has added new sanctions to long-standing ones for the sale of drones to Russia, linked to its nuclear program and domestic protests that have drawn international attention. In this tense moment, Iran’s leadership appears to seek balance while Beijing presses for steady, pragmatic cooperation amid Western pressure. Xi Jinping hosted the discussions as Washington’s approach to the region faced intensified scrutiny, and the episode underscored the fragility of international relations where surveillance narratives and military misgivings color diplomacy.
Iran’s leadership has clear concerns about Beijing’s stance and trade potential. A broader, diversified set of economic ties could be expanded if both sides manage to secure predictable investments and stable energy arrangements. China’s varied interests in the Middle East require a careful diplomatic balance, one that Tehran hopes will not be unsettled by external hostility toward the United States. The meeting stressed that both countries share grievances about unilateral actions and sanctions that they argue destabilize global markets and threaten regional peace.
In the run-up to the visit, Chinese media signaled strong support for deepening cooperation. State outlets described Iran and China as long-time partners, emphasizing that bilateral ties have strengthened even amid disagreements with the West. The commentary highlighted that concerns over interference and sanctions motivate both sides to pursue greater collaboration, while critics of Sino-Iranian cooperation were urged to consider the broader context of global power shifts.
Great Iranian delegation
The delegation to Beijing was substantial. Raisi arrived with the governor of the central bank, the chief negotiator on Iran’s nuclear program, and several ministers responsible for economy, commerce, urban development, agriculture, and oil. The primary goal was a strategic plan spanning twenty-five years, designed to attract Chinese investments in exchange for energy resources. This framework followed a major, high-profile agreement signed last year, even though precise figures for Chinese investment in 2023 remain uncertain. Iran has become a significant buyer of Chinese goods and services, while China’s investment footprint in Iran has historically lagged behind investments from neighbors like Turkey and Afghanistan; Russia has also surpassed China as a source of foreign capital at times.
Analysts note that Iran’s economy facing inflation and social unrest makes economic ties with Beijing particularly urgent. Stanley Rosen, a political science professor at the US-China Institute at the University of South Carolina, explains that Tehran’s frustration extends beyond the tragic events that sparked protests. Ministers have publicly voiced disappointment over the pace and scale of Chinese investments, signaling a broader demand for credible support. The dynamics with Central and Eastern Europe, including high hopes for Chinese engagement, illustrate a wider pattern of expectations not yet fully met.
The broader context shapes the future of collaboration. The New Silk Road, a signature Xi project, remains central to trade and infrastructure ambitions, though pandemic-related disruptions and Western barriers delayed progress. Beijing views its return to Eastern markets as a strategic priority, while Tehran emphasizes that sanctions have only reinforced the need for diverse regional partnerships.
No sound from the Strait of Hormuz
There was no dramatic shift in Beijing’s public position on the Strait of Hormuz during these discussions. Tehran called in its ambassador for consultations after a draft declaration related to territorial questions on three islands surfaced. Analysts have suggested that steering the issue toward cohesion remains a priority for maintaining alliance discipline among regional players.
China continues to purchase Iranian crude while expanding access to alternative platforms that reduce Western political leverage. Iran is set to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization this year, a Beijing-backed bloc aiming to bolster security and economic collaboration across Asia. The organization, founded two decades ago, includes China, Russia, several Central Asian states, India, and Pakistan. Iran’s broader integration with BRICS—an informal association of developing economies—reflects efforts to diversify its international partnerships. The bloc accounts for a substantial share of the world’s population, and its stance on the Ukraine conflict underscores a cautious, pragmatic approach to sanctions and diplomacy.
Iran’s alignment with Moscow and Beijing signals a shared interest in reducing Western influence. Yet scholars note that this trio’s cooperation carries both opportunities and risks. The evolving balance among China, Russia, and Iran points to a broader trend: liberal democracies in Europe and Asia may drift toward greater independence from traditional Western-led frameworks. China, aware of the delicate optics, avoids appearing in opposition to Western powers while pursuing its own strategic security and economic goals, a stance that, in Rosen’s view, is designed to protect global interests rather than isolate any single nation.