Sino-Iranian relations: historical, cultural, and strategic evolution since the 1970s

Sino Iranian Relations in Changing Context

Sino Iran Relations in Changing Context

Since the early 1970's, the relationship between Iran and China has been consistently evolving. Part of the reason for this, is because of a strategic and cultural difference that both nations feel towards the policies that have been directed against them by the West. While at the same time, they are wrestling with the views that they are both ancient civilizations, which predate many of the discoveries made by Western culture. When you put these different elements together, this means that there is a unique historical relationship that helps to form a bond between the two countries. As they both share a sense of frustration and anger about what occurred in the past. Whilst, seeking out ways to benefit each other in the future (i.e. military and economic alliances). (Garver 3 -- 29) This is important, because it shows how China and Iran would share a unique historical as well as cultural relationship that would help to fuel the policy both countries have towards one another. A good example of this can be seen by looking no further, than the military and economic relationship that exists between the two nations. In this situation, China has been supplying Iran with military equipment / technology and they have also been helping the Islamic Republic to build its infrastructure. While Iran, has been supplying China with oil and liquefied natural gas. Evidence of this, can be seen with the thirty year agreement that China signed with Iran in 2009. Where, they agreed to supply China with 150 thousand barrels per day of oil and 250 millions of tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG). (Bates 150 -- 160) This is significant, because it shows how the Sino Iranian relationship is based upon: historical, cultural, economic and military issues. This is problematic for the West, because the current sanctions and Iran's attempt to seek out a nuclear weapons, has brought this relationship to the forefront. To fully understand this changing nature of this bond requires: examining the historical / cultural issues that have affected the two nations, the changing nature of their association and how this could have an impact upon future relations. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to how the Sino Iranian affiliation will have an impact upon the international community going forward.

The Changing Nature of this Association

Even though China and Iran share various historical as well as cultural ties, the fact of the matter is that this relationship is still fairly new. The reason why, is because China would not begin to work aggressively with Iran until the 1990's and 2000's (on a host of various issues). This is when their economy was growing rapidly and they had no choice, but to cement relations with the Islamic Republic for various natural resources. As result, this highlights how the nature of the relationship would be continually changing. The reason why, is because there are a number of different cross currents that can affect this association to include: China taking an increasing focus on security related issues, limited amounts of economic opportunity and the desire to become a major player on the world stage. As a result, these different factors could cause the underlying Sino Iranian relationship to change. (Mousavin 141 -- 172)

When you look at the first aspect of this association, it is clear that China is placing more an emphasis on various security related issues. This is can be problematic for the Sino Iranian relationship, as China would like to see that Iran does not become a major regional power. The reason why, is because of fears that they could begin to encroach upon areas of influence that could have an effect upon China. This is similar to what the Western powers would do in China during the past. As a result, the government will do everything in its authority to ensure that Iran is not able to gain more influence than it should in security related issues. If you fast forward in time, this could be challenging for both countries, as Iran may feel that they should be treated on the same levels as the Western powers. At which point, China is unwilling to do so because of their increasing influence that they are having in region. This is important, because one could argue that if the situation occurred, China could become fearful that Iran may attempt to dominate them. Therefore, China will more than likely attempt to keep Iran in check. This is significant, because it highlights how various security related issues, could change the underlying nature of this relationship. (Mousavin 141 -- 172)

A second aspect of this changing association (limited amounts of economic opportunity) highlights the choice that China will have to make at some point down the road. Where, the actions of Iran and the relationship that they have with the country could become a liability. This is problematic, because it more than likely will mean that China will have to make a choice between conducting business with the Western nations and working with Iran. Given the fact that the West has greater economic opportunity; means that this underlying relationship could change, if China was forced to choose between the two sides. This is significant, because it shows the overall vulnerability that China will face because of this association. As the West, could force them to choose between: being a member of the world community or supporting an isolated Islamic Republic. (Mousavin 141 -- 172)

A third aspect of the changing association in Sino Iranian relations is: the desire for China to become a major player on the world stage. This is one of the biggest goals that the country has been striving to achieve, since it began to impose various economic reforms in the 1970's. The advances over the last several decades are helping China, to quickly realize this objective. That being said, the relationship that they have with Iran is causing many to question the motives and actions of the government. As many critics will claim that China is interested in their own self-interest vs. being a responsible member of the world community. Over the course of time, this could force China to abandon or reduce its relationship with Iran, as they feel that it has become a liability. Once this takes place, it can have negative consequences for Iran, as China could decide that it is causing too much strain. This is significant, because it shows how this desire to be a major player, could cause Iran to become burden, forcing the Chinese government to reevaluate the underlying levels of economic and military cooperation with the Islamic Republic. (Mousavin 141 -- 172)

When you look at the changing nature of this relationship, it is obvious that the actions taken by Iran could cause China to view them as a liability. This is important, because if Iran continues to defy the wishes of the international community, is when it may become advantageous for China to walk away from them. Given the fact that Iran is building a nuclear weapon and has refused to follow UN resolutions; means that this could, become very realistic possibility at some point in the future.

How this could have an impact upon future relations?

The association that China is having with Iran could have an impact upon its relations with the world community and trading partners. This is because Iran has been consistently seeking out nuclear technology sine the 1980's. The problem is that at the time, Iran was considered to be a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Under this agreement any nation that is perusing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, can import and build their own facilities (to address their different energy needs). Once the IAEA visited various sites around the country, they would certify that Iran was seeking this technology for peaceful purposes during the early 1990's. Since the U.S. had economic sanctions against Iran, meant that they wanted to prevent the Islamic Republic from having access to this technology at all costs. This is problematic from the view point of China, as they felt that the U.S. objectives went beyond the provisions of the NPT agreement. Therefore, given the fact that IAEA would certify that the program was peaceful at the time; China would begin to export technology to Iran for this purpose. Throughout the 1990's and into the mid-2000's this issue would be an area of constant debate among American and Chinese officials. Where, the U.S. believed that China should never trade this kind of material and technology with the Islamic Republic. While China, does not understand the logic behind going beyond the provisions the NPT. This is important, because it shows the levels of contention between the West and China surrounding its relationship with Iran. As the U.S. believed that China should not share nuclear technology with them, whilst China felt that U.S. was attempting to tell them what to do. When you put these two different elements together, it would highlight the contentious relationship that China and the West would have surrounding nuclear proliferation. (Mederios 141 -- 172)

However, as time went by the growth of China would constantly place the issues of nuclear proliferation, at odds with the goal of economic growth. Where, many proponents of free trade in the West would argue that by allowing China to have favorable trade status; it will help to curb this kind of behavior in the future. The reason why, is because they felt that the various economic freedoms and improved standards of living would serve as way of liberalizing the country (discouraging such behavior in the future). The idea was that as the standard of living and economic prosperity were increasing, China would be forced to choose between trading with the West and their economic relationship with Iran. At which point, many of the individuals believed that China would follow a similar position of the U.S., as this will force them to address the actions that they are taking on this matter. This is problematic, because it did not take into account the increasing demand that the Chinese economy would require for consistent economic growth (a continuous supply of various natural resources). As a result, the ties between Iran and China would become strengthened. Evidence of this can be seen with the China seeing a quadruple in their energy demand over the last twenty years. Where, the country would quickly become the second largest consumer of oil (behind the United States). This would cause the country's demand for oil to climb to 7.8 million barrels per day by 2008. Out of this number, 3.9 million barrels are accounting for, the total amount of imports that they require, to keep up with demand. To make matters worse, as the economy continues to grow well into the future, the underlying level of demand could increase to around 10 million barrels per day (with the majority of the increases supply coming from imports). This is important, because it shows how the increasing economic growth, would place pressure on China to boost their imports, in an effort to keep up with demand. (Walter 29 -- 31)

Iran is strategically positioned (from the view of China), as it is within close proximity of its borders and they have large proven reserves of oil as well as natural gas. Evidence of this can be seen with the fact that the country has 10% of the world total energy reserves for crude oil and 15% of the natural gas reserves. This is important, because the close proximity and large reserves of oil / natural gas; are causing China to seek out these kind of partnerships (with Iran). Where, they can provide their economy with what it needs for growth. At the same time, China has become concerned about the security of the supply of oil and natural gas. The reason why, is because they think that obtaining their supplies through Middle East could be risky. As there is threat of terrorism and all of the ships must go through the Strait of Hormuz. This is the point that all vessels must pass through, to deliver oil and natural gas to world markets. When you put these two elements together, this mean that China would begin to seek out agreements with other countries. That can offer a guaranteed supply and do not have the possible security / logistical issues in delivering it. (Walter 29 -- 31)

As a result, Iran became the ideal partner, because they could provide the consistent supply that China needed and an effective way of securely delivering it. As they would build a pipeline through the Caspian Sea, to deliver these resources to Chinese markets. At the same time, Iran would begin to press China for assistance on host of different issues ranging from: the purchases of military equipment to helping the country build its infrastructure. This has made Iran, China's third largest importer of crude oil and it has allowed the Islamic Republic to receive critical assistance, in developing its infrastructure as well as engaging in a host of different activities (including the sponsorship of terrorism). However, this relationship is somewhat complicated, as China's dependence upon Iran has often been over exaggerated. Where, China's largest supplier (Saudi Arabia) has publically stated that they easily fill any kind of shortage from the Iranians. Evidence of this can be found by looking at a visit that King of Saudi Arabia would make to China in 2006. As he would consistently reiterate his country's ability to address various supply issues that they could be facing in the future singlehandedly. One week after these announcements would take place; China agreed to support taking the issue of Iran's nuclear ambitions to the UN Security Council. This is important, because it shows the conflicting relationship that China is facing. Where, they want to be able to meet the demands of their economy (as far as crude oil is concerned). Yet, the current suppliers are causing them to have security concerns. When you put these two different elements together, this means that the China is facing a conflicting relationship with Iran. As they want to member of world community; but they need to have a consistent supply of oil, to keep with increasing demand. (Walter 29 -- 31)

What this shows, is that Sino Iranian relations are becoming increasingly complicated. The reason why is because both countries have unique relationship that are benefiting each other. Where, Iran is supplying China with a consistent supply of oil and natural gas. While China is providing Iran with support for their: infrastructure, military and nuclear program. However, when other major suppliers can address the issues faced by Iran, is when China can be able to not focus on its relations with the Islamic Republic. Once this takes place, is when Sino Iranian relations will become weakened, as there is no incentive for them to engage in such actions.

Clearly, Sino Iranian relations are having a major impact upon the world community. This is because the two countries share unique historical and cultural histories. These are helping to cement this relationship, as they both will view the West with a certain amount of contempt. At the same time, China wants to become a major player on world stage. As it has been seeking to grow its economy and engage in various market reforms. The problem with this relationship begins with their desire, to see continued economic growth, which means they will require increasing amounts of oil and natural gas. At the same time, they want to be able to receive a consistent supply that will not have the possibility of disruptions (such as the supplies coming out of the Middle East). This complicates this relationship, as Iran can address these issues. While China, will provide the Islamic Republic with added: military, technological and infrastructure assistance. When put these different elements together, this means that the relationship between the two countries is continuing to become more complicated. At which point, it will begin to have an adverse effect upon the international community. As Iran will be able to continually purchase the materials it needs to complete a nuclear weapon. The only way that this can prevented, is to provide China with alternative sources of safe energy supplies. Until this happens, the Sino Iranian relationship will continue to grow stronger, which will have a negative impact upon the international community.