The China-Iran Team

For John, BLUF:  This is unlikely to add up to good for the liberal democracies of the international order.  Both China and Iran Governments are interested in control of their populations.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Israel and the Sino-Iranian alliance

From Caroline Glick's web page, by Ms Glick, 17 Julky 2020.

Here is the lede plus four:

When Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Teheran in 2016, most observers dismissed the significance of the move.  The notion that Beijing would wreck its relations with America, the largest economy and most powerful global superpower, in favor of an alliance with Iran, the world’s greatest state sponsor of terror was, on its face, preposterous.

But despite the ridiculousness of the idea, concern grew about Sino-Iranian ties as Iranian political leaders and military commanders beat a path to China’s door.  Now, in the midst of the global recession caused by China’s export of the coronavirus, the preposterous has become reality.

Following weeks of feverish rumors, Iran and China have concluded a strategic accord.  Last weekend, the New York Times reported on the contents of a final draft of the agreement.

In its opening line, China and Iran describe themselves as “two ancient Asian cultures, two partners in the sectors of trade, economy, politics, culture and security with a similar outlook and many mutual bilateral and multilateral interests.”

Henceforth, they, “will consider one another strategic partners.”

Hat tip to my Buddy Jeff.

Regards  —  Cliff