So the belt and road initiative investments in Iran are a nothing burger?
“On May 25, 2025, the first freight train from Xi’an, China, arrived at the Aprin dry port, Iran, marking the official launch of a direct rail link between the two countries. This new logistical artery significantly reduces transit times (from 30–40 days by sea to roughly 15 days by land)... "
Not a nothing burger at all. But this little piece is focused on issues related to the war, and in this short analysis, the new rail line etc. etc. are covered with then phrase "close relationship—both economically and strategically."
Yes, Iran will survive or fall on it's ability to keep it's economy going over the long run, any cease fire is really just reverting to unconventional warfare. Sanctions breaking necessitates a hidden economy, and a hidden economy feeds corruption and inequality. Cuba is a one out in that it had very little means to do Sanctions busting as it has no critical resources to trade, so corruption never got as endemic as for example it did in Syria or Libya. The only way out is to build an above board economy as it's population is too large to do a Saudi Arabia/Gulf State bribe the people to ignore the corruption.
It's a very short analysis, not long enough to cover Uyghurs. I could have added a sentence to the effect that China's good relations with Iran—like its relations with all other Muslim countries—help Beijing to avoid criticism of Xinjiang policies, and sometimes even provide strong rhetorical support for those policies.
So the belt and road initiative investments in Iran are a nothing burger?
“On May 25, 2025, the first freight train from Xi’an, China, arrived at the Aprin dry port, Iran, marking the official launch of a direct rail link between the two countries. This new logistical artery significantly reduces transit times (from 30–40 days by sea to roughly 15 days by land)... "
Not a nothing burger at all. But this little piece is focused on issues related to the war, and in this short analysis, the new rail line etc. etc. are covered with then phrase "close relationship—both economically and strategically."
Changed my mind, I think you're right: I added a small section on economic ties.
Yes, Iran will survive or fall on it's ability to keep it's economy going over the long run, any cease fire is really just reverting to unconventional warfare. Sanctions breaking necessitates a hidden economy, and a hidden economy feeds corruption and inequality. Cuba is a one out in that it had very little means to do Sanctions busting as it has no critical resources to trade, so corruption never got as endemic as for example it did in Syria or Libya. The only way out is to build an above board economy as it's population is too large to do a Saudi Arabia/Gulf State bribe the people to ignore the corruption.
An analysis of China-Iran relations without mentioning Uighur or Xinjiang?
Chnaged my mind of this too and added a reference. Thanks!
It's a very short analysis, not long enough to cover Uyghurs. I could have added a sentence to the effect that China's good relations with Iran—like its relations with all other Muslim countries—help Beijing to avoid criticism of Xinjiang policies, and sometimes even provide strong rhetorical support for those policies.