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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