Posing Problems Without an Alliance: China-Iran Relations after the Nuclear Deal

Authors

Joel Wuthnow, Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University

Files

Description

The signing of a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in July 2015 to address international concerns about Iran’s nuclear program has led to bullish predictions about the future of Sino-Iranian relations. Under the deal, Iran is expected to limit its uranium enrichment and make other changes to its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of international sanctions. China is expected to be a prime beneficiary of the deal as Chinese firms take advantage of greater access to the Iranian market, especially in the energy sector. Some U.S. analysts also contend that the two countries could forge deeper strategic relations as well, involving coordination designed to weaken U.S. influence—or what both states see as U.S. “hegemonism”—in the region.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Publication Date

2-2016

Publication

Strategic Forum

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Recommended Citation

Wuthnow, Joel, "Posing Problems Without an Alliance: China-Iran Relations after the Nuclear Deal" (2016). Strategic Forums. 90.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/strategic-forums/90