An Iranian lawmaker said Friday that the long-term agreement signed with China does not need ratification by parliament because it is not “a binding” contract.

Abbas Golru, member of parliament’s national security and foreign policy committee told Tasnim news agency in Tehran that the 25-year agreement with China is a document of understanding and “a framework for cooperation.” He added that so far, no binding treaty or agreement has been signed between the two countries.

In recent months, the Islamic Republic has touted the agreement with China as a major political and economic breakthrough that would provide a lifeline for its broken economy amid United States' sanctions. In mid-January, foreign minister Hossein Abdollahian visited Beijing and discussed expanding relations. Tehran claimed that the 25-year agreement was “activated” during the trip.

Iranian politicians who are currently out of power, as well as pundits and thousands of Iranians on social media have criticized the regime’s quest to attach itself to China and Russia. Tehran is also trying to sign a 20-year deal with Russia, but so far, Moscow appears not to be interested. Many have also questioned the fact that the contents of the agreement have been kept secret.

Golru also maintained that for the deal with China to become binding specific agreements must be signed in various fields and ratified by the parliaments of both countries.