candidate from Northeastern University
Should China Slow Down Its Approach to Iran?
Diandian Zhang
Professor Baktybek Beshimov
Global Focus: Regional Studies in Southwest
March 30, 2014
Introduction
After longer than three decades of implementing Deng Xiaoping’s open-door and economic liberalization policies, China’s economy has grown rapidly. According to Dorraj and Currier (2008), China went from “self-sufficiency in petroleum to dependence on imports for over one-third of total consumption” from 1992 to 2005.
China has transferred from the East Asia’s largest oil exporter to the world’s second –largest importer in just thirty years. The booming domestic economy, the rapid urbanization, and the increased export processing make the large demand for energy resources. Zweig and Bi (2014) think “an unprecedented need for resources is now driving China’s foreign policy”.
On the one hand, this paper will state a couple of scholars’ perspective, which they think Chine should make a more long-term-concerned decision—working closer to Washington, while slow down its pursuit of new energy approach to Iran. On the other hand, the paper will explain the reason why two countries, under the pressure of sanctions from UN and the United States, have still maintained bilateral relationship, and what Iran and China gain from each side; also, the paper will explain reasons why China needs Iran, and discuss strategies that China should implement from multiple perspectives.
History Overview
The earliest contact between China and the Middle East could be dated to 139 BC, Chinese astronomical knowledge, techniques of printing and paper money were brought to Persia and Near East through the ancient Silk Road, also Persian and Arabian medicine, alchemy, pharmacology, geometry and mathematics were also transmitted to China. After Mongol conquered both countries in the thirteen century, these contact increased.
In the twentieth century, the relationship between China and
Diandian Zhang
Professor Baktybek Beshimov
Global Focus: Regional Studies in Southwest
March 30, 2014
Introduction
After longer than three decades of implementing Deng Xiaoping’s open-door and economic liberalization policies, China’s economy has grown rapidly. According to Dorraj and Currier (2008), China went from “self-sufficiency in petroleum to dependence on imports for over one-third of total consumption” from 1992 to 2005.
China has transferred from the East Asia’s largest oil exporter to the world’s second –largest importer in just thirty years. The booming domestic economy, the rapid urbanization, and the increased export processing make the large demand for energy resources. Zweig and Bi (2014) think “an unprecedented need for resources is now driving China’s foreign policy”.
On the one hand, this paper will state a couple of scholars’ perspective, which they think Chine should make a more long-term-concerned decision—working closer to Washington, while slow down its pursuit of new energy approach to Iran. On the other hand, the paper will explain the reason why two countries, under the pressure of sanctions from UN and the United States, have still maintained bilateral relationship, and what Iran and China gain from each side; also, the paper will explain reasons why China needs Iran, and discuss strategies that China should implement from multiple perspectives.
History Overview
The earliest contact between China and the Middle East could be dated to 139 BC, Chinese astronomical knowledge, techniques of printing and paper money were brought to Persia and Near East through the ancient Silk Road, also Persian and Arabian medicine, alchemy, pharmacology, geometry and mathematics were also transmitted to China. After Mongol conquered both countries in the thirteen century, these contact increased.
In the twentieth century, the relationship between China and
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