China highly values relations with Iran

China highly values its relations with Iran and stands ready to work with its new government for the continued advancement of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday after President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran "looks forward to more extensive" cooperation with China.

The friendly exchanges between our two countries date back centuries. Over the past 50 years and more since our two countries established diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have enjoyed sound and steady growth, Lin Jian, a spokesperson from the ministry, told Monday's press briefing.

Lin emphasized that facing the complex regional and international landscape, China and Iran have supported each other and stood together, enhanced strategic mutual trust, and advanced exchanges and cooperation in various areas.

The two countries also maintained sound communication and coordination on regional and international affairs, which have benefited both peoples and contributed to regional and world peace and stability, Lin said.

In an article published on Saturday titled "My Message to the New World" in Iran's English language daily Tehran Times, President-elect Pezeshkian said Iran "looks forward to more extensive" cooperation with China.

Pezeshkian said China, along with Russia, had consistently stood by Iran during challenging times, adding, "We deeply value this friendship."

Pezeshkian is expected to maintain a consistent stance with Supreme Leader Khamenei on various international and domestic issues, some experts said. The relationship between China and Iran has remained stable over the years, and significant progress in their ties is expected following a smooth political transition in Iran, Li Weijian, a research fellow with the Institute for Foreign Policy Studies of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, told the Global Times.

The frequent high-level interactions between both sides in recent years have also established a solid foundation for the two countries to continue the promising ties, Ding Long, a professor with the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times.

In the published article, Pezeshkian hailed China for its "constructive vision and forward-thinking approach to international affairs," stressing that in 2023, China played a "pivotal role" in facilitating the normalization of relations between Tehran and Riyadh after a seven-year diplomatic freeze.

China played a crucial role in bringing about the normalization of relations between Tehran and Riyadh, allowing not only Saudi Arabia but also Iran and other Middle East countries to focus on development cooperation. China has also actively engaged in collaborations and forums with Arab countries, fostering closer ties, Li said.

"Looking at the current international landscape, the U.S. is entangled in presidential election chaos, Europe is busy dealing with Ukraine crisis, and the Middle East is mired in conflict between Israel and Palestine. It is anticipated that the President-elect will solidify his stance domestically at this moment by prioritizing improving the national economy and devising strategies to ensure a better quality of life for the people. To achieve these goals, China must be the most important partner for Iran to work with," Li said.

Referring to a long-term comprehensive cooperation agreement signed between Iran and China in March 2021, Pezeshkian noted, "Our 25-year roadmap with China represents a significant milestone towards establishing a mutually beneficial comprehensive strategic partnership, and we look forward to collaborating more extensively with Beijing as we advance towards a new global order."

Due to the impact of the U.S.' illegal sanctions on Iran, economic and trade cooperation between the two sides has been affected. However, both parties have overcome difficulties and have been advancing cooperation, Ding said.