March 1, 2026

Khamenei is dead. But China’s ties with Iran will endure. Here’s why

Zhao Ziwen

"China is very pragmatic on such kind of issues. It would not be surprising if the new leadership will be someone who has already worked with Beijing. [Beijing might even] welcome a less radical and ideological Iranian leadership."

ChinaMed Head of Research Andrea Ghiselli was quoted in a South China Morning Post article by Zhao Ziwen discussing the killing of Khamenei and Beijing's pragmatic approach to trade with Iran.

Read the full article here.

With the support of

This project is realized with the support of the Unit for Analysis, Policy Planning and Historical Documentation - Directorate General for Political Affairs and International Security of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in accordance with Article 23 ‒ bis of the Decree of the President of the Italian Republic 18/1967.
The views expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views ofthe Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Published with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation pursuant to art. 23-bis of Presidential Decree 18/1967. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

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