Dynamics of Iran–China Energy Relations and Their Reflection in Beijing’s Middle East Strategy, with Emphasis on the 25-Year Comprehensive Strategic Agreement (2008–2021)

Maryam  Davari; Hossein Abolfazli Karezi; Ali  Salehi Farsani

Authors

Maryam Davari PhD Student, Department of Political Science, Se.C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7887-9367
Hossein Abolfazli Karezi Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Se.C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1925-5981
Ali Salehi Farsani Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Se.C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4740-5780

Keywords:

energy relations, Iran and China, energy security, China’s Middle East policy, Comprehensive Strategic Agreement

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of energy relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the People’s Republic of China and their reflection in Beijing’s Middle East strategy during the period from 2008 to 2021. In recent decades, China’s growing energy demand and its efforts to diversify its energy supply sources have transformed the Middle East into one of the principal focal points of Beijing’s energy policy and economic engagement. Within this framework, Iran, as one of the major holders of hydrocarbon resources, has assumed a significant position in energy-oriented interactions between the two countries. Employing a descriptive–analytical method and drawing on data concerning trends in China’s energy consumption and imports, the present study examines the dimensions of energy cooperation between Iran and China and its impact on Iran’s position within China’s regional policy. The findings indicate that energy relations have played an important role in shaping and expanding economic interactions between the two countries and have created opportunities for the development of long-term cooperation. In this context, the emergence of frameworks such as the Iran–China 25-Year Comprehensive Strategic Agreement can also be analyzed within the broader setting of these economic and energy-centered interactions. Furthermore, trends related to energy security and China’s policy of diversifying its energy supply sources have contributed to Iran’s considerable position in certain energy-related dimensions of Beijing’s Middle East calculations. Overall, the findings demonstrate that energy cooperation, as one of the most significant dimensions of Iran–China relations, plays a considerable role in explaining Iran’s position within Beijing’s regional approach.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

1. Shariatinia M. Iran-China Relations in Light of New Asian Developments. Asian Studies. 2014;1(2).

2. Scobell A, Nader A. China in the Middle East: The Wary Dragon: RAND Corporation; 2016.

3. Shariatinia M. Iran and China: Patterns of Partnership and Interaction. Tehran, Iran: Institute for Political and International Studies; 2020.

4. Holmes JR, Yoshihara T. China's Energy-Driven Soft Power. Orbis. 2008;52(1):110-26.

5. Saremi M. The Position of the Middle East in China's Energy Security. Regional Studies. 2018(18).

6. Downs ES. China's Energy Security Strategy: Emerging Challenges and Responses. Brookings Institution, 2019.

7. Hassantash G. Energy Security: Foundations, Developments, and Policies. Tehran, Iran: Office of Energy Studies; 2015.

8. Fulton J. China's Changing Role in the Middle East. Atlantic Council, 2020.

9. Garlick J. The Impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative: From Asia to Europe: Routledge; 2019.

10. Mearsheimer JJ. Reckless States and Realism. International Relations. 2009;23(3):381-97.

11. Waltz KN. The Anarchic Structure of World Politics. In: Jervis R, Art R, editors. International Politics: Enduring Concepts and Contemporary Issues: Pearson; 2009. p. 29-49.

12. Waltz KN. Theory of International Politics: McGraw-Hill; 1979.

13. Tang SH. The Security Dilemma: A Conceptual Analysis. Security Studies. 2009;18(3):587-623.

14. Walt SM. The End of the American Era. The National Interest. 2011(111):6-16.

15. Maleki A. Energy Policy-Making. Tehran, Iran: Ney Publishing; 2014.

16. Favennec JP. Oil and Natural Gas Supply for Europe. Catalysis Today. 2005;106(1-4):2-6.

17. Correljé A, van der Linde C. Energy Supply Security and Geopolitics: A European Perspective. Energy Policy. 2006;34(5):532-43.

18. Cornelius P, Story J. China and Global Energy Markets. Orbis. 2007;51(1):5-20.

19. Dorian JP, Franssen HT, Simbeck DR. Global Challenges in Energy. Energy Policy. 2006;34(15):1984-91.

20. Shariatinia M. China's West Asia Policy. Foreign Policy Quarterly. 2007;21(3).

21. Dehghani Firouzabadi SJ, Farazi M. Obstacles and Opportunities for Expanding China's Role in West Asia. Political Science Research Journal. 2011(4).

22. Griffin E. Dimensions of the Energy Issue. Political-Economic Ettela'at. 1999;13(7-8).

23. Mousavi Shafaei M. Energy Security: A Basis for Constructive Interaction and an Engine of National Development. Research Journal of Law and Political Science. 2009.

24. Friedman G. U.S. Foreign Policy: Room to Regroup. STRATFOR Global Intelligence, 2012.

25. Dreyfuss B, Turse N. American Death Spiral in the Middle East. TomDispatch, 2013.

26. Ehteshami A. Iran's Foreign Policy during the Reconstruction Era. Motaghi E, Postinchi Z, editors. Tehran, Iran: Islamic Revolution Documents Center; 1999.

27. Ghaderi N. Analysis of the Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Agreement from the Perspective of Mutual Interests. Foreign Policy Studies. 2021.

28. Shariatinia M. The Iran-China Agreement in the Framework of Major Asian Trends. Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), 2021.