China and Iran Breaking Up

The Diplomat ^ | 3/8/2012 | Javad Heydarian

[U-238]

They say that it’s only in hard times that you really see who your true friends are. What separates opportunistic partnership from genuine alliance isn’t necessarily treaties, but a willingness among both parties to hang onto their relationship when the going gets tough.

With Iran’s growing isolation over its nuclear program, China’s ties with Tehran are being put to the test as never before. As the European Union and the United States tighten the noose around Iran’s oil exports – constituting 80 percent of government revenues – and key financial institutions, including the Iranian Central Bank, Tehran is in desperate need of Chinese assistance. On top of this, Israel appears to be laying the groundwork for military strikes in case sanctions fail to achieve the desired effect: namely, Iran abandoning its nuclear program.

This is precisely when China is most needed by Iran. However, with Washington stepping up its pressure on China to cut Iran loose, there are growing signs that Beijing’s leaders attach greater importance to Sino-American ties and the country’s own energy security.

In recent decades, Iran and China have cultivated a partnership that cuts across all critical areas. By any measure, Iran and China seem natural historical allies. After all, the two countries are among the oldest continuous civilizations, and for centuries, the Persian Empire and Imperial China served as the two pillars of power at the far ends of the Asian continent. They also formed the foundations of the ancient Silk Road, which spurred the first waves of globalization.

[U-238]

I doubt that they are 'breaking up". China will lose a customer.

[reaganaut]

So who gets custody of the kids?

[Sacajaweau]

With friends like Iran, who needs enemies. Any relationship is only about money.

[MasterGunner01]

China should be very wary of radicalized Muslims in its provinces. Also, a nuclear armed Iran is no one’s friend. Chinese Infidels are the same as American, Israeli, Russian, or Euro Infidels to the mad mullahs of Iran.

[U-238]

They share a common hatred: Israel and the United States.

[U-238]

But your theory is true.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks U-238.

...there are growing signs that Beijing’s leaders attach greater importance to Sino-American ties and the country’s own energy security.

IOW, Zero was showing statesmanship when he rejected the Keystone XL pipeline.

Brooklyn Bridge For Sale ping.

[allendale]

Agree. China takes a very long view. Iran is not only a supplier of oil and gas, but a prime customer for China’s export oriented economy. They will say all the right things. However it is doubtful they would actually vote against Iran if it came to a UN security council vote. It would be nice if they gave the US the codes to the guidance systems of the missiles they sold Iran.

[U-238]

The Chinese have been developing their own navigational system called Twin Star.The Twin Star system represents the PRC’s attempt to become independent of the United States’ GPS and the Russian GLONASS navigation satellites.

[The Duke]

I doubt that they are 'breaking up". China will lose a customer.

I totally agree. At the end of the day, breaking up is hard to do.

[Colonel Kangaroo]

They share a common hatred: Israel and the United States.

I think China and Israel get along pretty well. The other day Netanyahu was quoted in Bloomberg.com talking about strategic partnership with China and India and a while back a top Chinese general visited Israel to meet with Israeli military officials.

[U-238]

I should not of made that statement and it was a mistake. It was made in haste.

[SJackson]

Middle East and terrorism, occasional political and Jewish issues Ping List. High Volume

If you’d like to be on or off, please FR mail me.

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