Tehran, January 11: A Chinese newspaper says Beijing must stand in the face of US efforts to wage war against Iran because of the country’s increasing strategic value to China.
“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,” the Global Times wrote in its Tuesday editorial.
The editorial added that the US Defense Department’s recent response to Tehran threatening to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz shows that the US is planning to use force against Iran as a final resort.
Following the imposition of sanctions against Iran’s financial and energy sectors by the US and Europe, Iranian officials have announced that if Tehran cannot export oil through the Strait of Hormuz, no other country will be allowed to do so either.
In response to Iran’s threat, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced on January 8 that Washington will respond to any Iranian attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, which is a key oil transit channel connecting the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman.
The Global Times said Beijing is opposed to further sanctions against Iran and despite pressures from the US and the European countries, it 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,” it said.
The editorial further added that 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,” it added.
The editorial stated that in waging a war against Iran, the US faces much higher risks than China and participating in the Iran issue is an opportunity for China to strengthen its diplomatic influence.
“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. Therefore, China must make efforts to prevent a war against Iran,” the paper said.
The editorial added that the US is not ready for a war against Iran because its economy could barely afford a new war and military action would be unfavorable to Barack Obama’s reelection plans as well.
“All these suggest that using force against Iran is the most difficult decision the US faces in the new decade,” it concluded.
The United States and Israel have repeatedly threatened Tehran with the “option” of a military strike, based on the allegation that Iran’s nuclear program may consist of a covert military agenda.
Iranian officials have promised a crushing response to any military strike against the country, warning that any such measure could result in a war that would spread beyond the Middle East.
——Agencies