Shared Interests, US Sanctions Pulling Tehran, Beijing Closer

Iran and China have been drawn closer by their common interests and challenges, as well as the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and its relentless pressure on other countries to halt doing business with the Islamic Republic, a political analyst said.   
“The development of Tehran-Beijing relations since the JCPOA was signed indicates that not only has there not been a downward trend in ties but their relationship has also become stronger, which is unprecedented,” Mohammad Nikbakhsh wrote in a recent report carried by ISNA, referring to the Iran nuclear agreement by its formal name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.  
“Iran and China, which share historical backgrounds and maintain long-standing relations, have recently opened a new chapter in their ties,” he added.