China’s Entrance in Iran and its Repercussions on the Region -by- Zainab Shahzad

China and Iran both political rivals of U.S on global stage and there is famous sayings “Enemy of an enemy is a friend”. This statement stands very true and accurate in today’s arena of global politics. China has made significant entry in Middle East and Persian Gulf by signing 400 billion dollars deal with Iran which will prolong to the period of 25 years.

It is very interesting to note that it is not limited to pure economic but will cover the security as well and in return Iran was agreed to provide China with steady supply of coal. It is important to note that U.S had impose sanctions on Iran due to which most countries tried to avoid trade with Iran and countries who already trade with Iran and countries who already had trade relationship with Iran tried to back-off gradually.

Like in case of India after 2017, India did not purchase the amount of hydrocarbon which is used to in the past; India downsized its hydrocarbon purchases by 75% and instead of exploring Iran markets. India basically work on see new partners in Middle East and main reason was to not indignant U.S by containing purchases from Iran.

Another example is again from “India” that India gradually and gradually decrease its investment in Iran with regards to reduce to which she had famously known as “CHA-BAHAR”. India was already supposed to develop Cahaba port and other infrastructure were later projects as well but after the U.S sanctions. In 2017 after world seen the hot policies of Triumph towards Iran. Other states gradually and gradually decreased its investments in Iran.

However, China being an emerging global power saw an opportunity because there was a vacuum left by the India and other countries and the China thought about to filled up this vacuum and putting its steps in Iran that’s all leads to china investment of 400 billion dollars.

More than 50% of china’s investment is based on hydrocarbon side whereas the rest of the investment invests on infrastructure development which includes the Chabahar seaport and other projects throughout the Iran. China seems to be most important and big exporter of hydrocarbon. About 26 % of minerals are imported from Iran. China thus reeling for hydrocarbon on Iran to gradually extend.

Iran is very significant and plays pivotal role for future relationship because China came into Iran at that time where the world tries to single out Iran from the rest of the world despite of this china did not added to that and followed their own policies and signed big deals with Iran and stepped into their market.

Hence, become an economic lifeline for Iran and this was very significant and China did achieve political milestone from this because its statements came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran who’s said, “China is true friend of Iran because China is standing with Iran during its hard time.”

Another aspect of deal is very important as well because the draft calls for deepening military relationship, intelligent sharing joint collaboration and other security related matters and measures between Iran and China.

Infect, in 2019, before the signing of this deal China had engaged specially in Chahbahar region in gulf of Oman with Russia and Iran engaged in joint military exercise. Its shows China eagerness in political and Security dominance in that region.

China being an emerging global power has risen again the challenged U.S domain ace in region by signing deal with Iran because previously China is not on the driving seat in the region but now China has set-up a strong foot in the region and empowering the another geo-strategically rival of U.S in Iran.

This would have not only economic or social but also defense and security implications as well. China, Iran and Russia had joint exercise back in 2019 was also its policies this was quite uncomfortable for U.S because throughout U.S.A trying to support an ally in Middle East by providing the military support to Saudi Arabia, Fighter jets to UAE mainly to contain Iran. Infect the Saudi Arabia is the largest buyer of USA military level and thus is going to further weapon zing the Gulf and Middle East because USA would not accept China’s dominance in the region.

Furthermore, After Biden statement of complete withdrawal by September 11. It is going to further empowering the china in the region, because Afghanistan is right next door and there is a chance China may penetrate into markets of Afghanistan and establish their hegemon and dominance because previously it was noted that was had control over Iran like India did have excess to Afghanistan specially the establishment of the jointed road which connects the both states.

Thus it might be chance of china to enter in Afghanistan and in previous records suggests that china would not loss their opportunity after USA withdrawal. This strengthen the chine both geo-strategically and geo-ecnomically.in the region.

Overall it would have negative impacts on the region especially considering the security aspects because since China has set his footing in region. USA trying their best to contain the China because containment of China has remained top priority of USA from last five years and since China is coming and aggressively investing in region USA would try to militarize their allies in Middle East to the greater extend and militarization of any region is never positive.

For Pakistan it can be blessing in his ties because China is strong geo-economical and geo-strategically ally of Pakistan and China has supported Pakistan to pick and kin. Infect China is having one of her flagship project of One Belt One Road initiative which is known as CPEC a massive great deal project with China. Pakistan can used this opportunity to include Iran into CPEC and previously seen Iran had shown interest to be part of CPEC but now this can be manifesting into reality since China is already having trade deal with Iran.

Pakistan can further special economic zones on border areas of both Iran and Afghanistan. Pakistan strengthen and deepen their relationships with both western neighbors and have become severally corridorial specially after Chinese enter and recently during Shah Mahmood visit to Iran where both states indicated that they will be increasing their economic effective investments.

Furthermore India exists from Iran after China’s entry is very beneficial for Pakistan because in the past Iranian soil was used by India to carryout terrorist’s attacks on Pakistan especially in Baluchistan and CPEC projects. This was further confirmed by the Indian Spy Kulbushan Yadav who was arrested by Law enforcement agency of Pakistan, interview clearly said that “we are using Chabahar for attacks against Pakistan.” For the security domain Pakistan is getting benefits.

Moreover, it is important to note that Chabahar seaport, natural revival and natural compotator to Gawader port because geographical wise Pakistan and Iran have same line of ports at same region. Hence, there is a competition about the usage of Chabahar or Gawader port. Since the china has enter and take a control of Chabahar port this rivalry would be end and it will further boost to trade and CPEC because now both routes can be used for facilitating CPEC.

Furthermore china presence automatically exists the Indian presence from the regional countries like Afghanistan and Iran because India adopted the route of Iran for entering Afghanistan. China’s presence with Pakistan and Iran’s will make hopefully Afghanistan prospers country by caring out various economic and security deals.

Zainab Shahzad
Zainablogin93@gmail.com