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OPINION MAY 14, 2021 | The Indian Eye 16

China-iran

Partnership and likely

Challenges for india

Chinese inroads in Iran will mean that China, on account of better diplomatic and

political relations, can gain a competitive edge over India in getting developmental projects

Md. Muddassir QuaMar the crisis.
The signing of the “compre-
hina’s engagement with hensive strategic partnership”,
the Gulf and West Asia therefore, is not a surprise giv-
Cregion has significantly en the recent trajectory of Chi-
expanded in the past two de- na-Iran relations. China sees
cades. The West Asian coun- the deal as another opportu-
tries have welcomed Chinese nity for promoting its mega
investments as a way to en- investments and connectivity
hance their infrastructure and projects in the Gulf and West
support business start-ups in Asia under the aegis of the BRI.
information technology (IT), Iran hopes that the com-
tourism, retail, energy and oth- prehensive partnership with
er sectors. Additionally, China China will help it overcome the
is taking interest in regional economic difficulties worsened
politics and conflicts with the due to the debilitating sanc-
stated objective of promoting tions imposed by the Trump
peace and stability in West administration and the impact
Asia. of COVID-19.
Among the regional coun-
tries with which China has during a cabinet meeting
developed close cooperation
is Iran. China and Iran have to discuss the final draft of
gradually improved their bilat- the comprehensive coop-
eral relations with Iran emerg-
ing as a leading oil supplier for eration plan with china in
China since the 1990s and Chi- June 2020, President rou-
na emerging as the top trading
partner of Iran since the 2000s. hani stated that the deal
The bilateral ties received a is “an opportunity [for
boost due to Beijing’s willing-
ness to stand up to President iran] to attract investment
Donald Trump’s “maximum in various economic fields,
pressure” campaign against
Iran after the American with- including industry, tour-
drawal from the JCPOA in Foreign ministers of iran (left) and india ism, information technol-
May 2018.
China-Iran relations are Asia region, especially for its na-Iran relations were further ogy and communication.”
based on economic coopera- energy security. Further, Iran strengthened after the out-
tion and strategic balancing. is seen as a potential destina- break of the COVID-19 pan- Notwithstanding how the
For Beijing, Iran is a credible tion for Chinese investments in demic given China’s willing-
partner in the Gulf and West developmental projects. Chi- ness to assist Iran in handling Continued on next page... >>

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