Iran-China relations under western sanctions: An overview

Karimi Vala, Sanaz; Han, Jianwei

doi:10.22059/jcountst.2025.391804.1262

Iran-China relations under western sanctions: An overview

Document Type : Short Paper

Authors

Sanaz Karimi Vala ¹

Jianwei Han ²

¹ Department of International Relations, World Politics and Diplomacy, Institute of International Relations, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia

² Middle East Studies Institute, Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), Shanghai, China.

10.22059/jcountst.2025.391804.1262

Abstract

This research examines the complex dynamics of the relationship between Iran and China, specifically within the context of sanctions imposed by Western nations. The primary focus of this analysis is on how these restrictions have affected their collaborative endeavors in the economic, political, and security domains. Iran's substantial economic collaboration with China has, to a considerable extent, mitigated the impact of the restrictive trade measures enacted by Western states. Furthermore, Iran and China have fostered collaboration through involvement in regional multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a development marked by a collective effort to counter the United States' unilateral policies and actions. The two countries have also laid the foundation for broader cooperation in the future and strengthened long-term ties in the military and security spheres in the form of various agreements and initiatives. In this regard, using the content analysis method, various aspects of Iran-China relations are being examined, along with understanding strategic developments and identifying future trends in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Keywords

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

economic cooperation

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

25-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)

Subjects

International Relations

حوزة موضوعی: ایران و چین

Scope: Iran and China

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