Beijing Determined to Strengthen Mutual Ties 

Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua underlined Beijing’s unchangeable determination to expand relations with Iran as the Asian country’s permanent strategy. 
“China’s will to strengthen and deepen ties with Iran will persist regardless of regional and international developments,” he said in a meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran on Monday, according to the president’s official website. 
Chunhua, who was in Tehran at a head of a high-ranking delegation, also briefed the president about the outcome of meetings with Iranian authorities. 
Iran and China are planning for joint investment to the value of tens of billions dollars in industry, energy, transit, finance and banking, which would constitute a major step in realizing strategic cooperation targets. 
During the meeting, Raisi also pointed to Tehran’s growing relations with Beijing since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, stressing the importance of the Chinese delegation’s visit in enhancing bilateral economic and trade ties.
He also called for efforts by both sides to implement agreements reached during past meetings between the two countries’ presidents. 
The president later expressed regret about some positions stated by the Chinese president during his recent visit to the region, saying they have caused dismay to the Iranian nation and government. 
He pressed a serious demand for atonement. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Saudi Arabia on Friday, where he sat down with leaders of the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
They issued a joint statement which contained several clauses directly dealing with Iranian affairs, including its nuclear program, defense technologies and regional activities, as well as the ownership of three islands in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran says its sovereignty over the islands is indisputable, rejecting the UAE’s territorial claims.   
The statement prompted the criticism of Tehran which summoned the Chinese ambassador to its foreign ministry to deliver its grievances. 
Chunhua reiterated Beijing’s respect for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and support for Tehran’s efforts to protect its fundamental interests.