Date: December 17
Location: Iranian Political Science Association
Speaker: Dr. Hamed Vafaei (Faculty Member, University of Tehran)
Introduction: The Transitioning World Order and the Emergence of China as a Decisive Actor
The speech began with an analysis of global geopolitical developments. Referring to the gradual withdrawal of the United States from its traditional role in many regions of the world, Dr. Vafaei considered the emergence of China as an actor filling this relative void as one of the undeniable realities of the current international system. He emphasized that today, China is not only an economic power, but also an “important and rule-making actor” in the international arena, whose diplomacy is based on new models such as economic, infrastructure, and communication network diplomacy. In his words: “Diplomacy is no longer the same as it used to be.”
The Status of “China Studies” in Iran: A Minor That Must Come to Maturity
Taking a critical look at the situation in Iran, Dr. Vafaei described the subject of Sinology in the country as being in its infancy. Despite China’s growing importance, concern and systematic knowledge about this superpower is limited among Iranian elites, policymakers, and the scientific community. Referring to the actions of Iran’s regional rivals, such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia, which are actively training a new generation to interact with China by establishing Chinese language university programs and study centers, Dr. Vafaei emphasized the “need to create a new and inclusive way to learn and apply China-centric knowledge” in Iran.
Referring to the historical richness of Iran-China relations, he noted that in Chinese texts and historiography, “Iran is mentioned a lot, but Saudi Arabia is not mentioned.” This provides a historical and cultural capacity to deepen today’s relations; a capacity that regional rivals are trying to compensate for and “establish themselves.” Therefore, Iran should use this “historical advantage” wisely to strengthen its position in China’s grand plans.
China’s Development Approach: Lessons for Iran
Explaining the philosophy of development in China, Dr. Vafaei stated that the Chinese have been able to achieve sustainable and forward-looking development in the past two decades by focusing on “balanced development” and poverty reduction. Even in the event of challenges, the basic principle for them is “providing quality to development.” Relating this issue to the conditions of Iran, he reminded them: “When there are weak segments of society, the first issue is development.” This perspective reveals the need for Iran to follow China’s experience in combining economic growth with social stability and reducing inequalities.
The Evolution of China’s Global Initiatives: From the Past to the Belt and Road
The central part of Dr. Vafai’s speech was devoted to describing the evolution of China’s strategic initiatives over the past two decades. Dr. Vafai, by introducing the concept of “China’s Value Chain and Initiatives,” explained that the country has presented its initiatives not in a fragmented manner, but in the form of an “interconnected and gradual chain” and in a specific time sequence. This process began with an initial focus on domestic economic development and integration into global value chains, and gradually evolved into a comprehensive and global plan with initiatives such as the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” and the “Belt and Road Initiative.” The ultimate goal is to create an “interconnected network of trade, energy, and communication corridors” with its heart beating in Eurasia.
Iran’s Strategic Position in the Belt and Road Initiative: A Country That Cannot Be Ignored
The speaker firmly emphasized that in the roadmap of this initiative, “Iran is there, especially in the Belt and Road, and Iran cannot be bypassed.” Iran’s unique geographical location as a bridge connecting East to West and North to South has made it a “vital and indispensable member” of the Eurasian connectivity and transit equations. However, he warned that exploiting this position requires “deep knowledge, long-term planning, and active diplomacy.” To this end, the infrastructure of Sinology in Iran, which is currently unknown and weak, must be rebuilt and strengthened with speed and scientific rigor. This requires a national effort by universities, research centers, the private sector, and the country’s diplomatic apparatus.
Conclusion and strategic recommendations
In concluding his remarks, Dr. Vafaei listed the following key points:
1. Mental paradigm shift: Accepting the fact that China is a permanent and influential player in Iran’s strategic environment and ignoring it would be a loss of historical opportunities.
2. New generation education: Creating specialized fields, courses, and centers for teaching Chinese language and Chinese studies in the country’s major universities, similar to what regional competitors are doing.
3. Leveraging historical capital: Activating a shared historical and cultural narrative with China as a confidence-building and strengthening tool in bilateral and multilateral relations.
4. Develop a Smart Engagement Strategy: Develop a coherent national strategy for engagement with China, focusing on the Belt and Road Initiative in which Iran’s national interests are clearly defined and pursued. This strategy should be able to transform Iran’s transit position into a sustainable economic advantage and enhanced national security.
5. Qualitying domestic development: Modeling China’s experience in prioritizing balanced and qualitative development as a necessary platform for playing an effective role in international projects.
The meeting called for reflection and action by raising fundamental questions about the future of Iran-China relations and Iran’s role in the emerging global order.