Analyzing the Contrast between Chinese Economic Pragmatism and Iranian “Look to East” Optimism

Abstract

In order to repel US pressures, Tehran has perpetually aligned itself with major non-Western powers through a ‘Look to the East policy’ with focus mainly on China. Iran and China are opposed to the United States’ so-called unilateralism and are similarly categorized as revisionist states which this common attitude culminated into the signature of the 25-year cooperation agreement in March 2021. But, China prioritizes its national interests defined by economic pragmatism; and its complex economic interdependence with the world economy has made it conservative. The present article analyzes this question of why China has been conservative in shielding Iran against the US’s paralyzing sanctions in Donald Trump’s era. It argues that the Chinese global strategy and its economic pragmatism require it to make compromises with the United States and Arab states alike, and at the same time, to preserve relationships with Iran
with the least political-economic expenses.