In Tehran, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Signs Bilateral 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, Saying: 'China Firmly Supports Iran In Opposing Hegemony And Safeguarding National Sovereignty And Dignity'

On March 27, 2021, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Iran, as part of his Middle East official trip.[1] In Tehran, Wang and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif signed a bilateral 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement.[2] The agreement was in accordance with the 2016 Joint Statement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between I.R. [Islamic Republic of] Iran and P.R. [People's Republic of] China,"[3] signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during Xi's visit to Iran in 2016. The bilateral agreement signed March 27 was set out in Paragraph 6 of the 2016 statement: "In view of the determination of both sides to expand relations between the two countries and the complementariness of their economic potentials as well as existence of numerous areas of joint cooperation such as energy, infrastructure, industry and technology, both sides agree to put consultations and discussions aimed at concluding a bilateral 25-year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement on their agendas."[4]

Commenting on the agreement, Kamal Kharrazi, former Iranian foreign minister and chairman of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, said: "The Iran-China cooperation document is not a contract or agreement that contains details of cooperation between the two countries in the next 25 years, but a plan and roadmap to guide cooperation. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has explained in its statement, this document contains the outlines of long-term cooperation between the two countries in the political, strategic, economic and cultural fields."[5]

Similarly, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated: "The plan focuses on tapping the potentials in economic and cultural cooperation and charting course for long-term cooperation. It neither includes any quantitative, specific contracts and goals nor targets any third party, and will provide a general framework for China-Iran cooperation going forward."[6]

An alleged 18-page "final version" of the agreement dated June 2020 that was leaked online last year[7] did not include any updated information since the signing of the 2016 joint statement.[8]

It is worth noting that the U.S. sanctions against Iran notwithstanding, Beijing and Tehran are already cooperating in several areas: energy, infrastructure construction, joint military drills, intelligence sharing and cyber collaboration.

Back in July 2020, prominent Iranian figures criticized the partnership for not providing guarantees for Iran.[9] For example, former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accused the Iranian government of selling out Iran's land and resources to China. "Does the country belong to you, that you can give away what's in the people's pocket?" he asked.[10]

It was also reported that during Wang's visit, some 200 people demonstrated outside the Iranian Majlis, protesting against the cooperation agreement, chanting "Iran is not for sale," "Death to those who sell the homeland," and "We will fight, we will die and we will take Iran back." Rallies also took place in front of governorships in the Alborz and Isfahan provinces, with protestors carrying banners reading "China, get out of Iran" and "We want the agreement canceled."[11]

Below are reports by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Iran:

Chinese FM Wang Yi with Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif (Source: Fmprc.gov.cn)

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Meets With Chinese FM Wang Yi

Below is the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' report about the meeting between Chinese FM Wang Yi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, which took place on March 27, 2021:[12]

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani with Chinese FM Wang Yi (Source: Fmprc.gov.cn)

'The China-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Has Withstood The Test Of The Changing International Situation'

"On March 27, 2021 local time, Iranian President Rouhani met with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tehran.

"Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings and New Year wishes to Rouhani, and thanked Iran for its warm and thoughtful reception to China during Nowruz (Iranian New Year). Wang Yi said, the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership has withstood the test of the changing international situation. No matter how the world situation changes, China's willingness to develop China-Iran relations will not change. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The comprehensive cooperation plan signed today will make an overall plan for promoting the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership. It will not only benefit the two peoples, but also contribute to regional and world peace.

"Wang Yi said, China firmly supports Iran in upholding its national sovereignty and national dignity, and safeguarding its own development path. China has opposed and will always oppose unreasonable unilateral sanctions imposed on Iran by the outside world. Any unilateral sanctions violate international law. In particular, sanctions based on lies and false information are a provocation to human conscience, loss of morality, and unpopularity. China is willing to work with Iran and the people of other countries in opposing power politics and bullying, safeguarding international fairness and justice, and upholding the basic norms of international relations.

"Wang Yi pointed out, now it's the time to seriously reflect on the evil consequences of external interference on the regional situation, and work together to explore effective ways to maintain the long-term stability of the region. The core of China's five-point initiative on achieving security and stability in the Middle East is to call on regional countries to uphold the attitude of ownership, promote the spirit of independence, get rid of the interference of geopolitical competition, seek a development path that suits the national conditions of the region, and establish a security structure that meets the interests of regional countries. China is willing to work with countries in the region to this end.

'China Believes That Upholding The JCPOA Means Upholding Multilateralism And Upholding The Authority Of The UN Security Council'

"Rouhani asked Wang Yi to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to President Xi Jinping. Rouhani said, all sectors of Iran regard China as its most important cooperative partner. President Xi Jinping's successful visit to Iran in 2016 has promoted the substantial development of Iran-China relations. The signing of the comprehensive cooperation plan between the two countries will further clarify the roadmap for future cooperation between Iran and China. Iran hopes to strengthen anti-pandemic cooperation with China, deepen beneficial cooperation in various fields, and advance counter-terrorism cooperation. Iran and China have the same or similar positions on regional and international issues. The Iranian side advocates solving problems through dialogue, and hopes to further strengthen cooperation with China on safeguarding regional security.

"Rouhani said, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a multilateral agreement. The U.S. should not have any preconditions for resuming the implementation of the JCPOA and should take actions first. Iran appreciates China's important role in safeguarding the JCPOA and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China.

"Wang Yi expressed, the JCPOA is an important multilateralism achievement reached through hard work. The unilateral withdrawal of the former U.S. administration from the JCPOA created a bad precedent for non-compliance with international agreements, which was condemned by the international community. The new U.S. administration hopes to return to the JCPOA, and we welcome it. China believes that upholding the JCPOA means upholding multilateralism and upholding the authority of the UN Security Council. The JCPOA, not a revolving door, can't be willfully withdrawn from and joined in by the United States. The United States should reflect on the damage to regional peace and international stability caused by its withdrawal of the JCPOA, and reflect on the losses it has caused to relevant countries. The unilateral sanctions on Iran should be lifted as soon as possible, and the long-arm jurisdiction on relevant countries, including China, should be lifted.

"On the same day, Wang Yi also met with Adviser to the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Larijani, and held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif."

Chinese FM Wang Yi Holds Talks With Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif

Below is the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' report about the meeting between Chinese FM Wang Yi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, which took place on March 27, 2021:[13]

Chinese FM Wang Yi with Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif (Source: Fmprc.gov.cn)

'The China-Iran Cooperation Within The framework Of The Belt And Road Initiative Should Be Stepped Up To Promote Further Development Of The Bilateral Relations'

"On March 27, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tehran.

"Wang Yi noted, since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, China and Iran have maintained close communication and exchanges, shown mutual understanding and support, and continuously deepened the political mutual trust. Under the new situation, the two countries should continue mutual support on the issues related to each other's core interests and major concerns, so as to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, the basic norms governing international relations, the common interests of developing countries including China and Iran, as well as equality and justice in the international community.

"Wang Yi said, China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Iran in combating COVID-19 and protecting public health, in order to push forward the construction of a global community of health for all. The China-Iran cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative should be stepped up to promote further development of the bilateral relations. The two countries should take the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties as an opportunity to actively carry out cultural and people-to-people exchanges and enhance the friendship between the two peoples. China welcomes Iran to send a delegation to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

"Wang Yi said, the two countries agreed to conclude a comprehensive cooperation plan, according to a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership in January 2016. Through concerted efforts of both countries, we will sign the China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan today to tap the potential for cooperation in areas such as economy and culture and map out prospects for cooperation in the long run. He believes it will further promote the continuous upgrading of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership and better benefit the two peoples.

'Iran Thanked China's Firm Support For Iran's Opposition To Illegal Unilateral Sanctions Imposed By The United States'

"Mohammad Javad Zarif said, the exchanges between Iran and China could be dated back to long ago. Iran attaches great importance to its relations with China, and strengthening cooperation with China is a strategic choice made by Iran. Iran congratulated China on successfully containing the COVID-19 pandemic and making great achievement in protecting the safety of its people, appreciated China's help to Iran's fight against the virus, and hoped to further the anti-epidemic cooperation with China. The signing of the comprehensive cooperation plan will inject new impetus into further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation. Iran thanked China's firm support for Iran's opposition to illegal unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States, while vowing to stand with China and oppose some Western forces' ungrounded pressures on China. Iran looks forward to participating in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games and will resist any attempt to sabotage the Games.

"Both sides also exchanged in-depth views on the Iranian nuclear issue. Mohammad Javad Zarif said, the United States, instead of making unreasonable demands on Iran, should take the first step, lift unilateral sanctions against Iran, and return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran is willing to work closely with China, a reliable partner on this matter, and jointly push the JCPOA back on track. Wang Yi said, as the current situation of the Iranian nuclear issue is caused by the unilateral withdrawal from the deal by the United States, the United States should lift its illegitimate sanctions against Iran, cancel its measures of long-arm jurisdiction over third parties, and resume the implementation of the JCPOA comprehensively and unconditionally. The relevant parties may lay the ground for restoring the JCPOA through formulating a roadmap with synchronization and reciprocity, and seeking early results, in which regard China is willing to continue to play a constructive role.

"The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern, and attended the exhibition of historical documents on the China-Iran friendly exchanges.

"After the meeting, the two ministers signed the document on the plan for China-Iran comprehensive cooperation."

(Source: Fmprc.gov.cn)

Chinese FM Wang Yi Meets With Iranian Supreme Leader's Advisor Ali Larijani

Below is the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' report about the meeting between Chinese FM Wang Yi and Iranian Supreme Leader's Advisor Ali Larijani, which took place on March 27, 2021:[14]

Chinese FM Wang Yi with Iranian Supreme Leader's Advisor Ali Larijani. (Source: Fmprc.gov.cn)

'The Two Countries Agreed To Conclude A Comprehensive Cooperation Plan'

"On March 27, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Supreme Leader's Advisor Ali Larijani in Tehran.

"Wang Yi said, China and Iran are traditional friendly partners. China has always viewed and approached the bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. No matter how the international and regional situations change, China will hold fast to its friendly policies towards Iran. As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the China-Iran ties stand at a new historical starting point. On this occasion, China is willing to work with Iran to reach into new areas of cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples, as well as world peace and development.

"Wang Yi said, the two countries agreed to conclude a comprehensive cooperation plan, according to a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership in January 2016. I will sign the China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif today to map out future cooperation in areas such as economy and carry the comprehensive strategic partnership continuously forward. China will continue to help Iran fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

'China Stands Ready To Work With Iran To Defend The Legitimate Rights Of The Two Countries And Other Developing Countries'

"Wang Yi pointed out, China firmly supports Iran in opposing hegemony and safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity. In view that the unilateral sanctions against Iran violate international law and cause harm to the Iranian people, the international community should work together to oppose any acts of bullying by powers. China stands ready to work with Iran to defend the legitimate rights of the two countries and other developing countries.

"Ali Larijani said that Iran attaches great importance to its relations with China. As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the China-Iran ties have ushered into a new era. Iran appreciates China's great support in helping it tame the virus and hopes to intensify anti-pandemic cooperation with China. The signing of the Iran-China comprehensive cooperation plan by the two sides will lay a good foundation for the future development of bilateral ties. Iran is willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with China in various fields, including the anti-terrorism cooperation. Iran highly appreciates China's just stance of opposing the unilateral sanctions against Iran, and is ready to cooperate with China closely to find a way, through dialogues and negotiations, to resolve the differences among relevant parties, so as to safeguard peace and stability in the region."