Iran–China 25-year Cooperation Program and the reaction of Iranian users of Twitter

Document Type : Original research

Authors

1 Deputy chief of mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to china

2 MA Graduate of East Asian Studies

3 MA Graduate of International Relations

Abstract

The conclusion of the comprehensive 25-year Cooperation Program between Iran and China is counted as one of the most significant actions taken during the recent years. This agreement, however considered favorable by the authorities of the two countries, has provoked reactions in public opinion. Among the most important feedbacks in this case are the negative reaction of the Persian users of Twitter and their campaigning against Iran and China’s 25 year agreement. The significance of this matter is due to the presence of elites in this network which in a way has made it the most political social network active in Iran. This research aiming to study the reason for the negative reaction of the Persian users of Twitter to this agreement, is looking for the answers to these questions: «What have been the reasons and modality of Twitter’s Iranian users’ general feedback to the signing of Iran and China’s comprehensive cooperation program in Twitter space? » And «What influences has the passing of time had on the level of Iranian people sensitivity towards Iran and China’s agreement? ». It appears that the three reasons «concerns about sale and cession of different regions of Iran to China», «the collective memory of the Iranian nation» and «concerns about the country’s independence to be jeopardized» are the most significant reasons to the negative feedback of Iranian Twitter users towards the 24 year agreement between Iran and China and the sensitivity of the users to the so called issue, has declined over time.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 September 2022
  • Revise Date: 30 November 2022
  • Accept Date: 07 December 2022

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