Nournews: The release of the Supreme Leader’s statements in Chinese on his official social media accounts—highlighting Iran and China’s potential role in global affairs and the need to implement the strategic agreement—has been assessed by international policy analysts as highly significant. Publishing these statements in Chinese, concurrently with President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Beijing, signals the highest political authority in Iran’s clear perspective on the bilateral relationship.
The importance of this move is such that some analysts consider this short text as a written message from the Supreme Leader to the leaders, government, and people of China, rather than a mere media or promotional act; it reflects Tehran’s determination to elevate relations to a new and sustainable level. The text states:
"Iran and China, with their ancient civilizations on either side of Asia, possess the transformative power to influence regional and global affairs. Operationalizing all dimensions of the strategic agreement will pave the way for this."
Meanwhile, Admiral Ali Shamkhani highlighted in an important tweet that significant opportunities for opening new strategic pathways have now emerged. As the Supreme Leader’s political advisor, he referenced China’s historical role in resolving conflicts:
"As Iran’s representative in the trilateral negotiations with China and Saudi Arabia in 2022, I witnessed Beijing’s effective role in resolving the seven-year impasse in Tehran–Riyadh relations. Now, with the President’s visit to Beijing and the Supreme Leader’s emphasis on activating the Iran-China agreement, important opportunities have arisen for opening new strategic pathways."
Ancient civilizations: An asset for a shared future
Iran and China, positioned on opposite sides of Asia, represent two long-standing civilizations that have shaped the course of world history for centuries. From the Silk Road, which connected merchants, scholars, and cultures, to political and cultural interactions between royal dynasties, these two nations have consistently contributed to humanity’s shared civilizational memory. The Supreme Leader’s message reminds that Iran-China relations should not be based solely on short-term economic interests but should rest on a foundation of historical identity and civilizational capacity.
As the international order undergoes transformation and Asian powers seek greater influence in global affairs, Iran and China can leverage their civilizational heritage to present a new model of cooperation and solidarity—one grounded in independence, justice, and multilateralism in contrast to Western hegemony. The Supreme Leader’s message clearly emphasizes that operationalizing the 25-year comprehensive Iran-China agreement is key to moving beyond the current situation and achieving a rightful place in the emerging global order.
The agreement encompasses important political, economic, cultural, and international dimensions. Politically, strengthening strategic ties can provide mutual support in international forums, including the UN Security Council and regional organizations such as SCO and BRICS. Economically, the agreement facilitates joint investments in energy, transportation, infrastructure, and advanced technologies. Connecting Iran to China’s “Belt and Road” initiative could position Iran as a vital link in global trade networks. Internationally, Iran-China cooperation sends a message that the future order will not be dictated solely by Western blocs.
The necessity of political will and mutual trust
However, as the Supreme Leader noted, signing the agreement alone is insufficient. Recent years have shown that unless comprehensive plans are implemented at the operational level, the agreement’s potential risks becoming a missed opportunity. Historical experience demonstrates that lack of political will or delays in execution ultimately lead to mistrust and erosion of capacities.
Today, Iran and China are both at a sensitive juncture. Iran faces unilateral sanctions and Western pressures and needs new pathways for economic development and global engagement. China, aiming to solidify its position as the leading economic power, needs secure energy supplies and politically aligned partners to counter U.S. pressure more than ever.
In this context, operationalizing the 25-year agreement is not merely a choice but a strategic necessity for both countries. If Tehran and Beijing implement the agreement with serious political will and mutual trust, their relationship will move beyond traditional cooperation to a sustainable, multidimensional partnership.
Both countries play important roles in regional developments. Iran, as a geopolitical power in the Middle East, wields broad political and cultural influence in West Asia. China, with participation in regional corridors and significant economic presence in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, has become a major pillar of the global economy. A strategic link between these two powers could yield key benefits, including:
Enhanced energy security for China and reinforcement of Iran’s role as a primary energy supplier to the East.
Development of transit corridors positioning Iran as a key connector between East and West.
Alignment in international forums to strengthen multilateralism and counter unilateral sanctions and pressures.
Despite these potentials, challenges remain. The West will undoubtedly attempt to use economic and media pressure to prevent closer Iran-China ties. Domestic bureaucratic inefficiencies could also slow the implementation of agreements. To overcome these obstacles, several essential steps are required:
Develop a joint roadmap with clear timelines for each section of the agreement, spanning energy, technology, education, and culture.
Establish joint supervisory and executive bodies to monitor projects and prevent administrative delays.
Strengthen cultural and educational cooperation to bring the peoples closer through student exchanges, joint media productions, and scientific projects.
Expand regional cooperation using the capacities of multilateral organizations such as SCO and BRICS, of which both countries are members.
Iran and China today are on the threshold of a historic decision. The publication of the Supreme Leader’s statements in Chinese, highlighting the potential global role of Iran and China and the necessity of operationalizing the strategic agreement, coinciding with the President’s visit to Beijing, draws a clear roadmap: relations must go beyond slogans and paper agreements to tangible and sustainable cooperation on the ground.
NOURNEWS