China-Iran relations

The major diplomatic breakthrough, negotiated in Beijing with China as mediator, is a demonstration of China's influence in the Middle East.

As demonstrated during President Raisi’s visit to China, a return to the Iran nuclear deal is very much in Beijing’s interests. So why is China not pushing for exactly that?

Iran wants more Chinese investment, but Beijing wants progress on the nuclear issue first.

During his three-day visit, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi made clear that Iran is not satisfied with progress on a 2021 partnership agreement.

Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Riyadh resulted in a rare diplomatic rebuke from Tehran. 

Iran is the newest member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

China’s arming of Iran creates a vicious cycle in which Iranian proxies motivate other Middle Eastern states to arm themselves too, creating more customers for Beijing.

China has struck a careful balance between regional rivals, especially Iran and the Gulf. But amid shifting dynamics, staying neutral may not be an option.

Insights from Benjamin Tsai.

Exploring the geoeconomic implications for the BRI and other Eurasian economic and infrastructure initiatives.

Iran may be forced to “Look East” in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA, but the Chinese government continues to look in many directions at once.