International Relations Researches

International Relations Researches

Expanding China-Iraq Economic Relations in Light of Beijing's Energy Source Diversity Policy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Karrar Heydar Mojjad Mashhadi 1
Bashir Esmaeili 2
Hayder Fawzi Sadeq Al-Ghazi 3
Mohammadreza Aghareb Parast 4
1 PhD student in International Relations, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2 Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Shahreza Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahreza, Iran
3 Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, Political Systems and Public Policy, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq
4 Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Shahreza Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahreza, Iran.
10.22034/irr.2025.543717.2758
Abstract
China and Iraq have close economic and trade cooperation. China is Iraq's largest trading partner, and Iraq is China's third largest trading partner among Arab countries. China's aid, which is provided without political conditions, has facilitated numerous bilateral agreements and investments. In fact, in the complex framework of global politics, the relationship between China and Iraq has changed dramatically and has transformed from diplomatic relations to a deep economic relationship. In this regard, given the importance of the subject, this research seeks to answer the central question, what impact has Iraqi oil had on China-Iraq economic relations? The research findings show that, influenced by the importance of energy in Jin's economic structure as well as Iraq's position in the Belt and Road Initiative, China's economic relations with Iraq have grown significantly in the post-Saddam era. In addition, the understanding of Iraqi elites about China in the international system is important in deepening this process. The research method in this research is descriptive and analytical, based on the qualitative method and the data collection method is library and Internet sources.
Keywords
Iraq energy
Belt and Road
dual hegemonic stability
Iraqi elites
 
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