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Helping Iran weather a looming storm

Global Times | January 10, 2012 00:35
By Global Times


The Pentagon threatened to respond to Iran's attempts to develop nuclear weapons and block the Hormuz Strait on Sunday. The US obviously sees using force against Iran as a final resort.

China's position when faced with a possible Iran war is difficult. It has huge oil interests there and Iran is of vital importance in alleviating its strategic pressure. But China cannot ally itself with Iran in opposing the US. Therefore, China must make efforts to prevent a war against Iran.

Some hold that Russia should block the US since it has more interests in Iran than China. This is just wishful thinking.

The strategic value of Iran to China is growing bigger than it is to Russia, no matter whether from the perspective of oil demands or geopolitical importance.

We should not expect Russia to act as a shield for China. China needs to act in accordance with its interests over Iran. It should coordinate with Russia and the two should support each other in this matter.

China has made clear its opposition to further sanctions against Iran. Despite pressure from the US and European countries, China should continue trading with Iran.

Though some Chinese companies have shrunk their investment in Iran out of fear of US sanctions, it doesn't have to be the attitude of China. Instead, if Chinese companies are sanctioned by the US due to their legal trade with Iran, China should take countermeasures.

In the absence of conclusive evidence that Iran is developing nuclear weapons, China should provide diplomatic assistance to Iran, by maintaining high-level official visits and opposing any biased treatment of the country.

The US is not ready for a war against Iran yet. Its economy could barely afford a new war and military action against Iran would be unfavorable to Barack Obama's reelection plans. All these suggest that using force against Iran is the most difficult decision the US faces in the new decade.

Opposing the US on Iran will not necessarily lead to confrontation between the US and China.

Without the authorization of the Security Council, the US military threat against Iran is illegal while it is morally just for China to safeguard its interests in Iran. China is not opposing the US but the mere possibility of a war. This is what China should do as a responsible power.

In potentially waging a war against Iran, the US faces much higher risks than China. Participating in the Iran issue is an opportunity for China to strengthen its diplomatic influence.



http://www.globaltimes.cn/NEWS/tabid/99/ID/691485/Helping-Iran-weather-a-looming-storm.aspx