Abstract:
This article outlines the dimensions of defensive relations between Iran and China, both from political and strategic aspects on the scope of defense diplomacy. Furthermore, the article shows, why the two countries are seeking to upgrade their relationship to a strategic level. In this respect, defense diplomacy is an important tool in international relations, and can illustrate the underlying mechanism that makes defense diplomacy an effective geopolitical tool. Although, there is a paucity of research on Iran- China defense diplomacy in the international security literature, yet this relationship has important implications for East Asia and Middle East regional security. This concept -specifically after 2013- became the central dynamics of the complex relationship between Iran and China where both countries have institutionalized a series of confidence building measures in bilateral defense-military relations. In this sense, the two countries seek to develop mutually beneficial ties to a stable international and regional environment. This paper discusses how China and Iran are preparing to launch a joint military exercise during the Rouhani era and in what ways theIslamic Republic's defense diplomacy has engaged in a continuing militarymodernization program with China that is expanding the capabilitiesavailable to the Iranian arms forces. Nevertheless, the paper suggests that due to China's political considerations and U.S. role in this regard, Sino- Iranian defense ties remain relatively shallow and sketchy.
Machine summary:
Chinese - Iranian Military Relations Masoud Rezaei Abstract This article outlines the dimensions of defensive relations between Iran and China, both from political and strategic aspects on the scope of defense diplomacy.
This paper discusses how China and Iran are preparing to launch a joint military exercise during the Rouhani era and in what ways theIslamic Republic's defense diplomacy has engaged in a continuing militarymodernization program with China that is expanding the capabilitiesavailable to the Iranian arms forces.
In this regard, at the dawn of the ‘Pacific Century’, as China grows stronger and seeks to play a greater role in regional and world affairs,(5) it will be important for the Iranian decision-makers to understand the defense and military capabilities and intentions of the Chinese leadership in all spheres, not only trade-related matters.
S. presence in the region (Rezaei, 2015a) Today, China and Iran continue to have strong interests in developing mutual cooperation in many fields, particularly in defense and military affairs.
Recent advances in Iranian anti-ship, anti-aircraft, and area-denial capabilities have forced Washington to re-think its approach towards Tehran, especially in the context of Tehran's increasingly transparent bid to develop missiles systems, and to view Iran as one possible dimension of China's power projection into the Persian Gulf.
6. Islamic Republic News Agency, MP: Iran-China military exercise helps upgrade regional stability, security, September 23, 2014, http://www.