Iran, China Announce Roadmap for Strategic Partnership

The statement came on January 23, on the second day of President Xi Jinping’s landmark visit to Tehran, during which he met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

The strategic roadmap calls for development of relations in political, economic, human resources, cultural, legal, defense, security, regional and international fields.

In politics, the two sides described their bilateral ties as strategic, and said Tehran and Beijing as two strategic partners are required to upgrade ties to remain relevant in an ever-increasing multipolar world. Here, China will facilitate Iran’s national development plans and back Iran’s growing role in regional and international affairs.

In economy, the two sides agreed to cooperate in the fields of energy, infrastructure, transportation, industry, technology, space, ports, shipping, mining, environment, food security, and nuclear technology. To this end, the two sides plan to ink comprehensive cooperation agreements for a period of 25 years.

In human resources and culture, the two sides agreed to develop cultural, tourism, media, and telecommunications and scientific-academic ties.

In security and defense, the two sides agreed terrorism and extremism is a common threat to world peace and stability, and that they are ready to interact with the world community to curb it. This will include building international mechanisms to fight against terrorism, human trafficking, goods smuggling, drugs, cybercrime, organized crime, and police training, among others. The two sides also agreed to boost cooperation between their armed forces to ensure regional peace and stability.

In regional and international affairs, the two sides supported the formation of a multipolar world, all while adhering to the principles of the United Nations and international law. The two sides also reiterated their opposition to interfering in other countries’ internal affairs, particularly imposition of economic sanctions to influence outcome. “They do however agree regional and international disputes should be resolved through diplomatic negotiations.” Further, Beijing lauded Iran’s ongoing efforts in the war against all manners of terrorism and extremism, while “the two sides are ready to diplomatically resolve the ongoing crises in Syria and Yemen”. They also underlined support for the Palestinian cause for self-determination, among others.

China backed Iran’s membership at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and welcomed implementation of the nuclear deal between Tehran and the P5+1. The two sides urged all parties involved to meet their obligations in order to allow Iran use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and help the country modernize its Arak nuclear reactor.