The key to understanding both the Iranian and Chinese cultures is that one will highly unlikely be able to form meaningful friendships or build alliances with the majority of Iranians and Chinese based on shared values of human rights, freedoms and civil liberties. There are exceptions but only a few. The intent of the majority of the Chinese and Iranians by approaching someone is either doing business or developing business networks.

What holds the relationships through loyalty among the majority of the Chinese and Iranians is the chain of command and loyalty that is born out of either fear, be it fear of losing their businesses, networks, or physical harm coming to them. This is the result of thousands of years of living in authoritarian societies of Iran and China that have no value for human rights, freedoms and civil liberties.