Iran and China Forge Stronger Ties Through Global Governance Initiative

Since the introduction of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the mechanism has garnered widespread support from countries around the globe, including Iran. This initiative was prominently featured during a ceremony hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Tehran on September 22, commemorating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The event not only celebrated the establishment of the PRC but also served as a platform to underscore the increasing global importance of the Global Governance Initiative. During his keynote address, Chinese Ambassador to Iran, Cong Peiwu, emphasized the initiative as a timely response to urgent international challenges. He framed the GGI as a Chinese solution that aligns with the universal aspirations of people worldwide and addresses the pressing needs of contemporary society.

The ceremony, attended by numerous diplomats, ambassadors, and Iranian officials, highlighted the depth of bilateral relations and the mutual commitment of Tehran and Beijing to position the GGI as a shared vision for fostering a more cooperative and just global order. Iran’s enthusiastic reception of the initiative further emphasized this alignment.

In an exclusive interview with China Media Group, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the GGI as a significant step towards creating a more peaceful, secure, just, and equitable world. He described it as a model for today’s international vision, indicating Iran’s strong alignment with China’s governance approach.

Pezeshkian’s remarks, made during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, illustrate that Tehran views the GGI not just as a Chinese initiative but as a framework with global implications, particularly for developing nations navigating complex international landscapes.

Iran-China Synergy

In an interview with the Tehran Times at the PRC anniversary reception, Ambassador Cong elaborated on how the GGI could enhance relations between Tehran and Beijing. He emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to global cooperation, stating:

“For Iran and China, as important members of the Global South, we can achieve much together to expedite the implementation of the Global Governance Initiative.”

“We are both members of the SCO and BRICS, working closely within these frameworks to ensure the Global South has a louder voice in international affairs.”

He also highlighted the focus on a people-centered development approach. “Both nations prioritize improving the lives of our peoples, allowing us to exchange views and create favorable conditions for extensive cooperation, not only between China and Iran but also among the Global South,” the ambassador noted.

Guiding Principles of the GGI

President Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Governance Initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting in Tianjin on September 1. The GGI is presented as China’s response to the increasing complexity of global challenges, offering a roadmap for collaboration among nations toward a more balanced and inclusive international order.

At its core, the GGI promotes:

Respect for Sovereign Equality: Ensuring all nations, regardless of size or power, are treated equally.

Upholding International Rule of Law: Establishing a foundation for fair and transparent global governance.

Renewed Commitment to Multilateralism: Encouraging countries to resolve disputes through dialogue and collective mechanisms.

People-Centered Approach: Prioritizing human well-being and social development in policy-making.

Concrete Actions: Ensuring commitments translate into tangible benefits for nations and their citizens.

Collectively, these principles provide a framework for a more just, equitable, and sustainable global system, capable of addressing contemporary uncertainties while fostering a shared future for humanity.

Strategic Partnership

During his interview with Tehran Times, Ambassador Cong also discussed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, a landmark 25-year plan between Iran and China. He stated:

“Since the plan was initiated four years ago, it has made significant progress, benefiting both nations. Following the recent meeting in Beijing between President Xi Jinping and President Pezeshkian, our primary task is to implement the consensus they reached.”

Ambassador Cong emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation beyond trade and investment, highlighting areas such as:

People-to-people exchanges

Subnational cooperation

Collaboration between scholars and think tanks

These efforts aim to advance the implementation process of the Comprehensive Cooperation Plan, promising tangible outcomes in the near future.

The recent meeting between President Pezeshkian and President Xi, held during the SCO Summit, reinforced the shared commitment to advancing this partnership—a sentiment echoed by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

The historic 25-year agreement, signed in Tehran in March 2021, aims to strengthen Iran-China ties in the face of U.S. sanctions and encompasses political, economic, security, and cultural cooperation. This agreement has its roots in President Xi’s 2016 visit to Iran, reflecting the steady growth of their bilateral relationship.

Expanding Ties

In a sign of Iran’s growing engagement with China, the official media outlet of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution recently launched a Chinese-language account on the social media platform X, directly publishing messages in Chinese.

Ambassador Cong welcomed this initiative, calling it “another excellent example of how Iran is enhancing efforts to advance our relationship.”