China and Iran have signed a global agreement aimed at charting the course of their economic, political and trade relations over the next 25 years, Iranian state television reported, in a challenge to the administration of Biden.
The “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement signed in Tehran on Saturday by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and its Chinese counterpart Wang Yi has been in place since 2016, when President Xi Jinping left. become the first Chinese leader to visit the Iranian capital. in more than a decade.
“The document can elevate bilateral ties to a new strategic level,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said in a televised interview. The agreement focuses on boosting private sector collaboration and the role of the Islamic Republic in Xi’s flagship investment and infrastructure program, the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.
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A draft example of the agreement that appeared in the media last year showed plans for the long-term supply of Iranian crude oil to China, as well as investment in oil, gas, petrochemical, renewable and oil infrastructure. nuclear energy.
The alliance between Beijing and Tehran is a challenge for the administration of US President Joe Biden as it tries to try to do so. gather allies against China, which Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said is the “biggest geopolitical test in the world.”
China’s pact comes when efforts to reactivate Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers are stalled. The Biden administration has indicated that it is open to re-engaging with Iran after then-President Donald Trump abandoned the deal nearly three years ago and reimposed economic sanctions, but both sides have not yet agreed. nor meet.
Iran’s closer integration with China may help strengthen its economy against the impact of U.S. sanctions, while sending a clear signal to Biden administrations about Tehran’s intentions. Wang Yi, who arrived in Tehran on Friday, also met with President Hassan Rouhani to discuss the nuclear deal.
In a televised speech, Rouhani reiterated his view on the possibility of easing restrictions before the end of his second and final term as president in early August.
“We are prepared for the lifting of sanctions,” he said on Saturday. “If the obstacles are removed, all or at least some sanctions can be lifted.”