China and Iran should strengthen “wise and balanced” cooperation to jointly counter modern challenges and shape a new world against unilateralism and hegemony, according to Tehran’s top envoy in Beijing.

Describing ties with China “decisive” to regional peace, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli told a gathering of students and researchers that the strategic partnership between the two countries had gone beyond a bilateral level and could improve the roles of Asian countries in global decision-making.

“From a strategic perspective, the Iran-China relationship is part of a larger process of the rise of a new Asia,” Fazli said through a translator in Beijing on Tuesday.

“In this Asia, independent nations with ancient civilisations are redefining their roles in the global order. In other words, the strategic bond between Tehran and Beijing transcends ordinary economic and diplomatic ties. It is a geopolitical connection that will contribute to the rebalancing of power in Asia’s future.”

The intense geopolitical rivalry between Beijing and Washington has prompted speculation that China may step up its backing of Tehran to ensure its strategic interest in the Middle East.

Closer ties between the two nations have been aided by the 12-day war in June when Israel – briefly joined by the US – launched a broad air campaign against Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities and military leadership.