Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline leader who brought Iran closer to China

Before the news of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi’s death emerged, China expressed being "deeply concerned" on Monday after his helicopter went missing.

China’s deep concern for Raisi seems warranted, given that it is Iran’s largest trade partner and a top buyer of its sanctioned oil. China said it was closely monitoring the situation and had even said that it would "provide all necessary support and assistance" to the rescue operations.

Monday morning, Iran’s Vice President Mansouri confirmed Raisi's death in a helicopter crash.


Raisi's role in Iran-China ties:
Raisi accompanied by a large delegation visited Beijing in February last year to boost economic and bilateral ties and since his visit since he's been in office, he has moved Iran closer to China.

It was Raisi’s first visit to China and also the first by an Iranian president in 20 years, according to Iranian state media.

Raisi who assumed office in August 2021 first met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan in September 2022. China-backed Iran's now successful bid to become a full member of SCO.

During a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua in Tehran, Raisi had then reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between China and Iran, according to an AP report.

Tehran and Beijing have deepened trade ties in recent years, though Beijing's efforts to pull Iran into its flagship Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure project have been complicated by sanctions.

Beijing has also long played a critical role in arming Iran, aiding its efforts to modernise its military hardware and tactics.

It has also facilitated the "transfer of technology and machinery" for Iran's illicit nuclear program, according to the RAND Corporation.

The United States has repeatedly made public appeals for China to use its influence over Tehran to manage tensions in the region, which have been heightened by the Israel-Hamas conflict.