Leading State-Run Newspaper:
China Joining U.S. Mission ‘Wishful Thinking’
BEIJING (Dispatches) -- Amid escalating tensions with Iran, the U.S. aims to use maximum pressure and a maritime coalition to make Iran yield, but only two regimes or so have responded to Washington's propaganda, state-run Chinese newspaper the Global Times wrote on Saturday.
The U.S. has accused Iran of attacking oil tankers in the Persian Gulf but provided no convincing evidence. The so-called coalition dominated by the U.S. is part of the bid to crack down on Iran, with Washington lobbying other countries to help it pressure Tehran.
Some Americans wish China could participate in the coalition as this would mitigate China-U.S. tensions caused by the American trade war against Beijing and would help the U.S. fend off criticism that the escorts would damage Iran's interests, according to the Voice of America Chinese site.
"This is obviously wishful thinking,” the English-language newspaper said.
"Iran is a comprehensive strategic partner of China and China is dedicated to safeguarding peace and stability in the Persian Gulf,” the paper said.
"Such a coalition would only damage Iran's interests and thus China's. China would not hesitate to send military forces to defend its interests if its vessels sailing in the Persian Gulf are endangered.”
According to the paper, China has had close cooperation with Iran in fighting pirates, which is also beneficial to other countries.
The safety of oil shipping lanes are related to global economic security - about 30 percent of the world's crude oil goes through the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
China, the Global Times said, has been making great efforts to maintain stability and security in the region.
"China has sent naval fleets on escort missions to the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia to escort ships. To better carry out escorts, China cooperates with Djibouti and established a support base there for the People's Liberation Army ships.”
The paper said, "There should be a maritime coalition, but definitely not one led by the US or one meant to serve U.S. strategies. The coalition should actually safeguard the interests of Persian Gulf countries and their legitimate trading partners.”
"Washington's arrogance and reckless moves have led to turmoil in the Persian Gulf. As long as Washington doesn't change its mind, uncertainties will linger in the region,” it added.
The U.S. has accused Iran of attacking oil tankers in the Persian Gulf but provided no convincing evidence. The so-called coalition dominated by the U.S. is part of the bid to crack down on Iran, with Washington lobbying other countries to help it pressure Tehran.
Some Americans wish China could participate in the coalition as this would mitigate China-U.S. tensions caused by the American trade war against Beijing and would help the U.S. fend off criticism that the escorts would damage Iran's interests, according to the Voice of America Chinese site.
"This is obviously wishful thinking,” the English-language newspaper said.
"Iran is a comprehensive strategic partner of China and China is dedicated to safeguarding peace and stability in the Persian Gulf,” the paper said.
"Such a coalition would only damage Iran's interests and thus China's. China would not hesitate to send military forces to defend its interests if its vessels sailing in the Persian Gulf are endangered.”
According to the paper, China has had close cooperation with Iran in fighting pirates, which is also beneficial to other countries.
The safety of oil shipping lanes are related to global economic security - about 30 percent of the world's crude oil goes through the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
China, the Global Times said, has been making great efforts to maintain stability and security in the region.
"China has sent naval fleets on escort missions to the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia to escort ships. To better carry out escorts, China cooperates with Djibouti and established a support base there for the People's Liberation Army ships.”
The paper said, "There should be a maritime coalition, but definitely not one led by the US or one meant to serve U.S. strategies. The coalition should actually safeguard the interests of Persian Gulf countries and their legitimate trading partners.”
"Washington's arrogance and reckless moves have led to turmoil in the Persian Gulf. As long as Washington doesn't change its mind, uncertainties will linger in the region,” it added.