China Won’t Allow Itself to Be ‘Hijacked’ By the West or Iran: Global Times, China

Are the West and Iran out of control and poised on the brink of disaster? That’s the tone of this editorial from China’s state-controlled Global Times, which warns both sides that Beijing won’t be pressured to choose one or the other – and that a resort to force, as far as Chinese leaders are concerned, is out of the question. The article gives good insight into Beijing’s thinking on the Iran nuclear issue.

For China’s Global Times, international forum editor Wang Wen writes in part:

For decades, because of the West, Iran has endured a hostile international environment. Thus, both sides have lost essential trust in one another. In the past few years, the use of sanctions as a threat has not only failed to resolve the problem, it has increased the level of resentment and suspicion. This is something the West must seriously consider.

When a state faces life or death, any government would be desperate. Only patience, patience and more patience, can bring all the parties to achieve a minimum level of trust. Resorting to launching missiles, increasing the level of uranium enrichment, or imposing tougher sanctions will only increase the level of resentment and suspicion.

However, some in the West and Iran don’t want to listen. Both believe that if they’re tough, the other side will eventually give way. This isn’t rational – and the two have even extended this attitude to China. Both think that as long as they pressure China, it will “choose sides” in disregard of its own interests and bow its head. This is an unrealistic way of thinking. … In regard to regional issues, China has consistently maintained a balance among the powers. This has been China’s goal all along. But China isn’t after one or the other goal. No one can try and use any one of these objectives to hijack China.

Iran and the West must make concessions to keep the situation from escalating and getting out of hand.

China is a big country whose interests must be respected. Allowances must be made for China’s difficulties. China’s opposition to sanctions must be understood. … As far as a large country like China is concerned, anyone who wants to use force or other means to harm Iran will definitely pay the price.

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6 Responses to “China Won’t Allow Itself to Be ‘Hijacked’ By the West or Iran: Global Times, China”

1. Father_Time says:

   February 16, 2010 at 6:37 am

   Right.

   So China is siding with Iran by allowing Iran to go right on enriching uranium and the “west' can never do anything about it, even though Iran OPENLY threatens our allies….or China will, “make us pay”.

   Note to China: We, “the west”, have thousands of Nuclear Missiles also. Don’t be stupid.
2. shannonlee says:

   February 16, 2010 at 7:52 am

   “As far as a large country like China is concerned, anyone who wants to use force or other means to harm Iran will definitely pay the price.”

   It sounds like they have already choosen Iran and are ready to make us pay. I hope the author isn't speaking for the government….those are very serious words.
3. JSpencer says:

   February 16, 2010 at 9:41 am

   Resorting to launching missiles, increasing the level of uranium enrichment, or imposing tougher sanctions will only increase the level of resentment and suspicion.

   Probably true. We aren't a very patient people though. I hope brains are main tool being that will be brought to bear here, and not some of the blunter tools that have proven ineffective in the past.
4. Silhouette says:

   February 16, 2010 at 10:48 am

   Yes, the author is speaking for the government and yes, they've already long ago chosen Iran. Long ago. Iran has the fuel. China holds most of our financial solvency and Russia has been playing the bird with the broken wing long enough. We are fiddling around chasing our tail and we need to get real serious real quick about reality.
5. shannonlee says:

   February 16, 2010 at 1:21 pm

   got this from an AP article:

   Although warhead material must be enriched to a level of 90 percent or more, just getting its present stockpile to the 20 percent mark would be a major step for Iran's nuclear program. While enriching to 20 percent would take about one year, using up to 2,000 centrifuges at Tehran's underground Natanz facility, any next step — moving from 20 to 90 percent — would take only half a year and between 500-1,000 centrifuges.

   So are we talking about 1.5 years until Iran has a nuclear bomb? Hmm…2012…it's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.
6. GreenDreams says:

   February 16, 2010 at 6:01 pm

   I feel sorry for the terminally scared here. Iran isn't gonna blow us up. They will never launch a nuclear strike against Israel. Never. Anyone want to bet? “Ever” doesn't work in a bet, so u tell me. When do the frightened ones think Iran will attack Israel?

   As for China, Nixon opened the door, Reagan gave them most favored nation status and the Bushes took us so deeply into debt with them that they literally hold our economy in their hands. Get used to it. Ultimately, we will do what China says. They're the superpower now. Our big arsenal is no match for their 40% savings rate. We're screwed.