China-Iran bilateral ties date back to 1980s when Beijing helped Tehran during the Iran-Iraq war. China was one of the few countries that provided military assistance to Iran despite Tehran being under western embargo.
China’s decision to support Iran during the war was driven by Beijing’s desire to maintain longstanding diplomatic and economic ties with Tehran. China also saw it as an opportunity to expand its influence in the Middle East and thereby undermine the influence of US and its allies in the region.
40-years later, China and Iran have a comprehensive strategic relationship. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi recently became one of the first heads of the state to visit China after it opened up after easing Covid restrictions. China-Iran ties have taken on renewed importance in recent years due to combination of factors.
In this episode of Decode, Zakka Jacob explains Beijing’s increasing diplomatic presence in the Middle East and How US sees that. Can China balance its ties with Iran and other Arab power?
Source: CRUX - YouTube