China–Iran trade relations have expanded in recent years, driven by economic, energy, and strategic cooperation. As Iran's largest trading partner, China conducts billions of dollars in bilateral trade annually, primarily through Iranian oil exports and Chinese manufactured goods. China is aiming to expand its land and outreach in the Middle East, while Iran is able to serve as the mechanism. Is this all concerning to the West? Should America be worried about the Chinese impact over the Middle East?

Dr. Jamsheed K. Choksy is Distinguished Professor of Iranian and Central Eurasian Studies in the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies and Director of the Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center at Indiana University.