Thought some would find this article interesting... http://www.mehrnews.ir/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=219677 Iran, China discuss defense cooperation TEHRAN, Aug. 17 (MNA) -- “The excellent discipline in the Chinese Army is one of the most illustrious characteristics of the country,” the commander of the Ground Forces of the Iranian Army, Brigadier General Nasser Mohammadi Far, said here on Wednesday. Mohammadi Far made the remarks in a meeting with a Chinese military delegation that has come to Iran to hold negotiations on developing military relations between Iran and China, deepening bilateral ties between the two countries, and paving the way for military cooperation. He went on to say that the vast country of China has organized a powerful army in the region through relying on efficient military training, perseverance, and discipline. "Our mutual enemies possess advanced military technology, and undoubtedly they would rely on this technology in any possible future wars. Therefore, it seems necessary that both Iran and China upgrade their defense and military technology,” he noted. Mohammadi Far added that, relying on Almighty God and the eight-year experience of the Iraqi imposed war on Iran, the Army of the Islamic Republic has increased its defense capabilities such that it can turn the tide in any possible war. For his part, the head of the Chinese military delegation expressed satisfaction about his visit to Iran and his talks with Iranian military officials. Iran and China have had close relations in various spheres and have always maintained their brotherly relations over the course of history, since they have always had some mutual objectives, he observed. At the end of the meeting, Mohammadi Far presented the military emblem of the Iranian Army to the Chinese delegation and received the military emblem of the Chinese Army in return.
Interesting that the Iranians aren't too concerned about the way Muslims are being treated in the PRC. btw: China has been shipping their crappy military tech to Iran forever. Not really a big deal.
It only makes sense from a nationalistic point of view. China and Iran have rich cultures, and they both have a history of being number one in their respective spheres of influence. After the Cold War ended, America could claim the world and sides would have to be redrawn to counter this. Both China and Iran have to deal with America when they want to control what they once did unheeded. Both nations have strong nationalistic feelings, and any militaristic politician could use this thought to their advantage. Mussolini did it; while he may have lost, people died in the process. Iran and China want to be able to regain their dominence again over their "territories". It's likely they will use force if we do not give them a diplomatic option, or we take an aggressive option, and they want to be ready for anything we can throw at them. If America were to fall from the pinnacle of wealth and military influence, then this alliance would crumble faster than the Allies of WWII. That's just my 2¢
Some facts: China had a very warm relationship with Iran under Shah, just like the U.S. During Ayatollah Khomeini's era, it cooled quite a bit, but never went sour or hostile. I remember during the 80's the news coverage in China about Iran was quite "neutral". Following the death of Khomeini though, and for the last decade and half, China has again strengthened its tie with Iran.
I'd imagine the Chinese were scared of an 'islamic revolution' like everyone else, which would explain the cooling off period.
Iran has lots of oil and China needs LOTS of oil. China is simply trying to ensure that it has a steady supply.
While they need a lot of oil, the also have aspirations to be a world power, and both gaining influence and countering the US are part of those aspirations.
I agree, and I hope once they become (or become even more) of a world power, that there can still be peace. When there are two top dogs in a pound, things always gets messy. Though the question is as a nation, is China morally permissible in taking steps to become a world power? I don't see how you can no to that question since every country strives to be stronger. Though I do fear when that day comes, what mindset is the Chinese, in both the government and the people.
Well I think to lead the world, you need to have people around the world to be lead. China has a magnificent history, but it never really seem to expand. One of the things is that it kept fighting among itself and try to take over it self way too many times. Strange thing is that while China had a ton of empires, they all eventually go away, get broken down to smaller nations by civil wars (He jiu bi feng, feng jiu bi he ---> together long enough and it will break apart, apart long enough and it will come together). Yet while no one nation in Europe trully ruled all of Europe (all have had ups and downs in power structured but nothing really coming close to empire), they expanded away from Europe and it seems a lot of nations survived. Another thing that makes me wonder is when did the one China, one nation concept came in, I mean the last dynasty before the current manifistation to unite China wasn't even Han. Amazingly, I think we're going to be alive during perhaps the longest period of peace within China and Europe. I don't see China disolving any time soon or the Euros start fighting with each other (banging on a large piece of wood).
They can't be a world power without a steady and reliable supply of oil. Also, I would suggest China is interested in being an world economic power (everyone likes money). The military part is to make sure that no one gets in their way. China has an agenda and as long as no one gets in the way everything will be fine. The U.S. works the same way as did Saddam and the terrorists and France and everyone else. This is why, I believe, that people are being naive when they think we can truly have "peace" in this world. As long as someone has an agenda (and the agenda doesn't necessarily have to be evil) there will be conflict with anyone who has a different agenda that gets in the way. You can talk about compromise but what if your agenda is keeping your economy strong (which requires oil) and someone else decides that THEY need the oil for their economy? Do you just say "we'll just have a mediocre economy" just to get along? Or do you take steps to secure your economy? What if you're willing to "get along" but the other country won't? France was willing to work with Saddam in order to keep getting cheap oil. France's agenda with regard to their economy and energy needs outweighed the negatives of dealing with a dictator. The U.S. helped Saddam in his war against Iran because it was part of the U.S. agenda to keep Iran weak. Was it wrong? Maybe but look at what a strong Iran gets the U.S. - a nuclear threat. Iran wants the world to be an Islamic theocracy. That is certainly not part of our agenda. Should we compromise with Iran's agenda to "just get along?"
