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Iran and China Are Strengthening Their Military Ties
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Farzin Nadimi - Last week, Chinese defense minister Chang Wanquan concluded a three-day trip to Tehran. During a January visit by President Xi Jinping, the two countries signed a 25-year strategic cooperation agreement that included a call for much closer defense and intelligence ties. Defense officials reportedly discussed expanding China's use of Iranian air bases and naval facilities in the Persian Gulf, ostensibly for training and logistical purposes. They also agreed to exchange their hands-on military experience, mentioning examples such as facing the U.S. military at sea and in the air. Rumors persist that Iran is interested in acquiring Chinese Chengdu J-10B third-generation fighter jets as well as airborne radar and avionic suites to equip its own future designs. When UN Security Council Resolution 2231 was implemented in January, it required all member states to seek the council's approval before selling any warships, combat aircraft, missile systems, or tanks to Iran for a period of five years. Once that period expires, there will be no restrictions on Iran's purchase of military hardware from countries like China. Iran seems keen on creating a missile-firing submarine fleet - probably using Chinese help - in order to counter Israel's expanding strategic submarine fleet.