‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

Opportunities and Challenges of China's " Belt and Road" Initiative on Iran's Political Economy (2013-2021)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Seyedmahdi Sedaghat

Employee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

10.22034/ca.2026.733329
Abstract
Abstract: The " Belt and Road" initiative, designed and implemented in 2013 as one of the largest economic projects, was proposed with the aim of strengthening China's position as a global power in the economic, trade, and political spheres. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic of Iran is known as one of the key nodes of this plan due to its strategic location in the North-South and East-West transportation corridors, as well as its rich energy resources. The purpose of this research is to examine the opportunities and challenges of the " Belt and Road" initiative for Iran's political economy. The results indicate that this initiative can strengthen Iran's geopolitical position in the region, while developing key Iranian infrastructure, including transportation and energy, attracting foreign direct investment, and strengthening economic relations with countries along the path of the plan. But on the other hand, greater economic and political dependence on China, increased imports of Chinese goods, lack of transparency in investments, and problems resulting from international sanctions are among the challenges that Iran will face in dealing with this plan.

Keywords

Key words: Belt and Road Initiative
China
Islamic Republic of Iran
political economy
opportunities
challenges

Subjects

‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 January 2026

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