Sino-Iranian Strategic Partnership: Prospects and Challenges

China and Iran have developed mutual inter-dependence and bilateral cooperation in several fields. Though China and Iran are closer to sign 25 year strategic partnership, yet the final draft of the deal is being negotiated between the two parties. The expectations are high on Iranian side, however one or anotherway there are multiple factors associated with such developments. For instance; Chinese image in contemporary international system, US factor, international sanctions against Iran, Iranian perception and role in the region, and Chinese ambitious Belt and Road initiative is supposed to determine the depth and sustainability of this strategic partnership. This paper argues that the apprehensions attached to the deal are reflecting western perception whereas China’s interest are more economic/commercial and business oriented, thus limiting their cooperation in other fields. This paper addresses the prospects of these negotiations considering the impact of afore mentioned factors on the background of their relations, thus articulates challenges faced by both the parties for expected enhanced strategic partnership. The paper concludes that Sino-Iranian cooperation is not only confined to economic field rather expands to socio-cultural and technological fields as well, but this must also be viewed as part of China’s over all Middle East policy considering her economic might and investment posture through Belt and Road initiative.   &nbsp

Great Power Perspective towards Afghanistan: India China Creeping Competition in the Heart of Asia

Afghanistan; the Heart of Asia, being located at the cross-roads of tri-regional junction offers a buffer as well as a test case for the Great Powers to showcase & prove their potential. India and China both aspiring for change in their global status positioning, practicing policy of non-interference are having high-stakes in Afghanistan. Although economically engaged both have high considerations for Afghanistan. International community is looking for new stakeholders to assume more responsible role in Afghanistan, how China and India deal with such pressure and foreign policy principles will determine their power status in international system. This paper seeks to locate Afghanistan in India and China‟s domestic and foreign policy. China‟s security reason and its commercial engagement with Afghanistan and India‟s bridge to access and Connect Central Asia policy pave the way towards such understanding. Management of their mutual relation is very crucial for peace in Afghanistan as well as for the entire region

Great Power Perspective towards Afghanistan: India China Creeping Competition in the Heart of Asia

Afghanistan; the Heart of Asia, being located at the cross-roads of tri-regionaljunction offers a buffer as well as a test case for the Great Powers to showcase &prove their potential. India and China both aspiring for change in their global status positioning, practicing policy of non-interference are having high-stakes inAfghanistan. Although economically engaged both have high considerations forAfghanistan. International community is looking for new stakeholders to assume more responsible role in Afghanistan, how China and India deal with such pressure and foreign policy principles will determine their power status in international system. This paper seeks to locate Afghanistan in India and China‟s domestic and foreign policy. China‟s security reason and its commercial engagement with Afghanistan and India‟s bridge to access and Connect Central Asia policy pave the way towards such understanding. Management of their mutual relation is very crucial for peace in Afghanistan as well as for the entire region

Book Launch China's Economic and Political Presence in the Middle East and South Asia

This book explores a range of key issues connected to China’s relations with countries in the Middle East and South Asia. It discusses economic and political connections, and projects which have arisen as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It covers both important countries in the Middle East, and also Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. It examines current contentious issues including Iranian sanctions and the war in Syria, and assesses the roles of other powers such as Russia, Turkey and Israel insofar as they affect China’s relationships. Overall, the book presents many new perspectives on the subject, with many of the perspectives representing the view from the countries of the Middle East and South Asia