Strategy

Strategy

Future Prospects of Iran–China Public Diplomacy: A Policy-Based Analysis Grounded in the Seventh Development Plan of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Abolfazl Ghasemi 1
reza ekhtiari amiri 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law and Political Science, university of Mazandaran . Babolsar, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Mazandaran, , Babolsar, Iran
10.22034/rahbord.2025.523518.1813
Abstract
Public diplomacy is one of the tools of foreign policy that, through a novel approach to advancing goals and safeguarding national interests, has gained increasing significance in the foreign policies of states. This modern approach to diplomacy responds to the demands of a changing global environment, where new actors and populations play a major role in shaping norms, international rules, and global governance. Based on this context, the main question of this article is: What are the opportunities for strengthening public diplomacy between Iran and China, with particular emphasis on the policies of the Seventh Development Plan in their bilateral relations? The research hypothesis is that Iran and China can expand and strengthen bilateral relations by leveraging their cultural, civilizational, scientific, educational, political, and economic capacities. The present research is qualitative and employs a descriptive-analytical method to examine the topic. Data were collected from library sources and official documents, while theoretical foundations of public diplomacy were applied to explain and interpret the findings. The research findings indicate that Iran and China can create a platform for dialogue between civilizations, enhance cultural exchanges and scientific collaborations, and strengthen urban diplomacy and economic cooperation. By effectively utilizing their soft power capacities within the framework of the Silk Road, both countries can establish a foundation for the development of bilateral relations and the advancement of mutual national interests.
Keywords
Iran
Seventh Development Plan
China
Public Diplomacy
Foreign Policy
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  • Receive Date 14 May 2025
  • Revise Date 19 October 2025
  • Accept Date 25 October 2025