Plant Olive Trees

Amini’s death in police custody, as well as economic sanctions are causing Iran’s global position of weakness. The Iranian government has never been so isolated since the Iran revolution in 1979.

China has little to benefit from the 25year economic agreement, and now it looks at the unstable situation of its partner and has few hopes that the relationship can be salvaged in the short term.

Domestic protests in Iran that some call a revolution could affect future relations between Iran and its allies, such as China and Russia. China, which has its own domestic problems, clearly sees the Arab Gulf countries as offering more than can be expected from Iran. Closer relations with Washington’s Arab allies could also benefit China. In addition, recent positive diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Beijing make it unlikely that the Chinese will risk completely alienating Washington by unreservedly supporting Tehran. The end result is that Iran can no longer consider Beijing a stalwart ally. ■