Iran and China have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic cooperation, as senior officials from both countries marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Tehran.
Iran’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, Seyyed Ali Madanizadeh, was the guest of honor at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy on September 29. On the sidelines of the event, Madanizadeh also held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu.
The reception brought together Iranian officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations. The gathering provided an opportunity to highlight the longstanding relationship between Tehran and Beijing and discuss prospects for closer economic engagement.
In his address, Cong said China’s relations with Iran had maintained steady, healthy growth despite changes in the international environment. This year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 10th anniversary of the declaration of a comprehensive strategic partnership between them.
“China maintains continuity and stability in its policy toward Iran,” the ambassador said. He attributed the development of bilateral ties to the political commitment of both countries and the efforts of people from different sectors of society.
Economic Opportunities
Madanizadeh focused on the economic potential of closer ties, pointing to China’s capabilities in industrial investment, new technologies, mining, clean energy and the digital economy. He said Iran recognized and appreciated Beijing’s role in these sectors.
The minister said the two countries had the foundations needed to participate in industrial projects, develop new business models, strengthen logistics cooperation and pursue investment. Such initiatives, he said, could help advance understandings reached by the countries’ Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation.
Madanizadeh also stressed the importance of implementing the 25-year Comprehensive Cooperation Program between Iran and China. He said closer engagement could help both countries make use of their economic capacities amid geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global value chains.
He called for cooperation to address gaps in technological and mining investment, while highlighting the role of partnerships among developing countries. He also referred to multilateral cooperation through BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
The minister welcomed China’s measures concerning sanctions, including a move by its Ministry of Commerce prohibiting five Chinese companies from complying with sanctions.
Shared Regional Outlook
Both officials linked closer bilateral relations with regional stability and wider international cooperation. Cong said China believed regional issues should be resolved through dialogue and consultation, and that countries in the Middle East should work together to safeguard regional security.
The ambassador reiterated China’s support for the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of countries across the region. He said Beijing was ready to work with regional states toward a security framework based on common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.
Madanizadeh said Iran valued China’s approach to regional security and its support during the recent conflict. He added that Tehran and Beijing shared views on respecting state sovereignty, reducing tensions and protecting peace and stability.
China’s economic performance also featured in Cong’s speech. He said the country’s gross domestic product grew by 4.7% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, while the value of goods imports and exports rose by 16.9%.
The ambassador also pointed to advances in technology and manufacturing, including rapid growth in artificial intelligence-related sectors and the rising market share of new energy vehicles. These areas could offer opportunities for future cooperation.
Madanizadeh said Iran was determined to strengthen comprehensive relations with China and use the two countries’ capacities to support development. The reception, held ahead of China’s National Day on October 1, concluded with renewed expressions of interest in closer ties across trade, investment and industrial development projects.
