John Garver, Professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, presented testimony on China’s Iran policies and their apparent conflict with China’s policies toward the U.S. during the April 13th public hearing of the U.S.– China Economic and Security Review Commission in Washington, D.C.  

The hearing, “China’s Foreign Policy: Challenges and Players,” examined emerging issues and new interest groups in China’s foreign policy, as well as China’s relationship with Iran, North Korea, and Russia.   

In his statement, Garver disaggregated China’s relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) since early 2003 (when the Iran nuclear issue intensified) into six policies. Garver argued that this array of policies, not all of which are logically consistent, 1) represents an attempt to balance China’s interest in maintaining good relations with the United States on the one hand, and important energy and political interests with Tehran on the other, and, 2) reflects the distinct interests and perspectives of key actors in China's decision making process.

“China’s Iran Policies,” Prepared Statement, Hearings on China’s Foreign Policy:  Challenges and Players, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review commission, U.S. C Congress.  13 April 2011. Figures

Review the hearing and transcripts at www.uscc.gov