TEHRAN – A senior advisor to Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has emphasized that Iran’s deepening partnership with China is an ongoing process and even the second-term presidency of Donald Trump will have no bearing on Iran's foreign policy.

Ali Akbar Velayati, a key figure in Iran’s international affairs, underscored this position during a Sunday meeting in Tehran with China's Ambassador, Cong Peiwu. 

The discussions delved into recent regional and global developments, with both officials reiterating their commitment to fostering stronger bilateral ties.

Velayati highlighted the enduring and strategic nature of Iran-China relations, tracing their roots to shared cultural and historical bonds. 

"Iran and China have maintained close and sincere ties over centuries, yielding significant mutual benefits," he noted, adding that both nations remain resolute in enhancing cooperation across diverse sectors. 

The advisor pointed to Iran's growing collaboration with China and Russia through platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS as transformative. "These partnerships will undoubtedly leave lasting and critical impacts on the global stage," he remarked.

Iran's full membership in the SCO, formalized during its 23rd virtual summit in July 2023, marked a major milestone. Furthermore, in early 2024, Iran officially joined BRICS alongside Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, expanding the group's influence. Initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS represents around 40% of the global population and a quarter of the world’s GDP. 

China's Ambassador Cong Peiwu reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to enhancing ties with Tehran. 

"Iran and China must ensure that no external factors disrupt their relations, which are firmly rooted in mutual respect and shared interests," he said.

The ambassador referred to the landmark 25-year strategic cooperation agreement signed in March 2021, which outlines a broad framework for collaboration in political, economic, cultural, and defense arenas. The agreement, first announced during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2016 visit to Tehran, underscores both nations' resolve to counter external pressures, particularly U.S.-led sanctions.

China has remained Iran’s largest trading partner, accounting for 30% of its foreign trade. As the primary buyer of Iranian oil and a critical supplier of technological and industrial goods, China has continued to strengthen its economic ties with Tehran despite mounting global sanctions.

With both nations committed to closer cooperation, experts view the Iran-China alliance as a cornerstone in reshaping regional and international power dynamics.