China and Iran: A New Alliance?

The growing rift between the U.S.-led West (increasingly viewed as crusaders) and Iran may be just what China's leadership needs in their quest to procure new sources of energy to fuel the economic boom in the Chinese economy. It is being reported in China that a delegation is planning to visit Iran next month to sign new agreements that may include a provision granting China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., also known as Sinopec, rights to develop the Yadavaran oil field in southwestern Iran. It is certainly in both country's interests to sign such an agreement. Iran needs to develop closer relations with China to counteract attempts by the U.S. to isolate the Islamic republic. If China is unable to secure energy supplies, then it becomes more vulnerable to the U.S. and its allies, particularly given the U.S. conquest of Iraq, close relationship with Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, and stable ties with Canada and Mexico. If Iran is unable to find allies, particularly strong allies, then it runs the risk of being invaded, or, at the least, bombed by the U.S. or proxy forces (such as Israel).