Relations between China and Iran won't be affected

Q+A

Editor's note: Iran has a chance to change its international image after Hasan Rowhani's victory in Iran's presidential election on Saturday. However, since Iran's foreign policy is mainly decided by its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, there will not be fundamental changes in this field, experts said.

Q: Will Rowhani make any changes to the China-Iran ties?

A: Guo Xiangang: The relations between China and Iran have been stable for years, and Iran's presidential election does not have a negative influence on Iran's China policy.

The two economies enjoy high complementarity and great potential. Beijing needs more energy resources, and Teheran needs more Chinese products. Rowhani plans to further develop Iran's economy, which is a chance to make the China-Iran's relationship much closer.

Li Guofu: China and Iran will have closer and better relations if Rowhani, the moderate president, helps the country improve their relations with the United States, and improve its international image.

The new president's victory has created a much more friendly and relaxed international environment for Iran. It is also good for the development of China-Iran relations.

Will anything be different in the Iran-United States relations, after Rowhani's victory?

Hua Liming: Rowhani might adopt a much more moderate strategy to develop their relations with the US, rather than a tough and defiant attitude. However, many people in Iran disagree with Rowhani, which could make it difficult for him to take a more moderate approach.

Iran's foreign policy is decided by their Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Rowhani does not have significant influence on it.

Guo Xiangang: Rowhani is likely to ease Iran's tension with the US, but there will not be fundamental changes, because the new president does not have impact on Iran's foreign policy.

As a moderate president, will Rowhani be different from his predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on the nuclear issue?

Guo Xiangang: The nuclear issue is important for Iranians, so they will not give up their rights to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

But Rowhani is likely to adopt a flexible approach during negotiations with Western countries. More flexible communication over this issue makes reaching solutions easier.

Li Guofu: If Rowhani takes a much more flexible approach, Western countries may loosen the sanctions toward Iran.

Will Rowhani make changes on regional issues in the Middle East?

Guo Xiangang: Iran is a major power in the Middle East. The new president will continue to support the Syrian government and the Hezbollah, because these issues are part of their foreign policy, and it is not controlled by their president.

Hua Liming: As long as no upheaval takes place domestically, Iran will not change their regional strategy. The relationship between Iran and Israel will not be improved after the moderate president takes office, because Iran's presidential election won't have a major impact on their foreign policy.

China Daily

(China Daily 06/17/2013 page11)