In example of growing ties, Chinese destroyers dock for first time ever in Iran

The four-day visit is the first time a Chinese naval vessel has called at a port in the Islamic republic, across the Gulf from Bahrain where the U.S. Fifth Fleet is based. The two navies will conduct joint search and rescue exercises and training for maritime accidents, according to Admiral Hossein Azad, a senior commander of the Iranian navy. Iran’s navy has boosted its international presence over the past few years, in particular to help guard commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden against pirate attacks. According to the New York Times, “the naval visit indicates that China fears that a deal over Iran’s nuclear program could lead to an improvement in relations between Iran and the West.”

It shows most of all that the Chinese want to keep their lucrative business relations with Iran. Not that they are ready to defend us.

Saeed Laylaz, an Iranian economist who is close to the government

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