From Chatham House’s The World Today:
… At present, it is improbable that the closer Sino-Iranian relationship will develop into an alliance. Despite remarkable advances in cross-regional diplomacy under Hu, Beijing is still a relative newcomer to the Middle East’s labyrinthine politics. However, China’s willingness and ability to engage Iran in direct talks, should not be discounted.
Tehran increasingly views a rising China as a means to further distance itself from western demands, while China sees Tehran as a necessary energy partner. The expanding economic and diplomatic contacts present important opportunities to significantly shape future Middle Eastern policies for both west and east. [Full Text]
Marc Lanteigne is a Lecturer at the School of International Relations, University of St Andrews, Scotland.
