The Trump administration attempts to use economic pressure to reduce countries' interactions with Iran, but The New York Times states that this strategy may not be effective against China, and could even lead to costs for the United States.
Trump threatened this week that countries continuing to engage in business transactions with Iran would face “harsh economic consequences”. The New York Times reported on the 21st that China has long been Iran’s largest trading partner and a major buyer of Iranian oil, thus naturally becoming a target of U.S. pressure. However, China has reason to believe that even if Trump’s latest warning comes true, it can still cope. Moreover, an increasing number of Chinese analysts believe that the White House seems unable to end the conflict with Iran in a way that benefits the United States, which is a sign of the U.S.’s growing weakness.
Fudan University’s Director of the American Studies Center, Wu Xinbo, said that the threats made by the Trump administration reveal their difficulties in dealing with the Iran issue. ‘They make such threats not because they think they are feasible, but because there is no other way out,’ said Wu. The United States is trying to get out of a ‘self-created predicament’.
Reports say that China has another card that the United States cannot ignore—critical minerals. During last year’s trade friction between China and the US, China implemented export controls on certain critical minerals, which has already demonstrated its influence in supply chains. Currently, the demand for critical minerals by US military companies has increased due to the war, and Washington may face countermeasures if it further pressures Beijing.
In terms of energy, China also has considerable room for maneuver. Reports indicate that China has stockpiled oil for several months and increased purchases of crude oil from Russia in order to cope with the reduced oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz. Even if there is a disruption in the supply of cheap Iranian crude oil, China can still purchase it through other sources, which could potentially drive up international oil prices and put pressure on the United States itself.
Diao Daming, a professor at the School of International Relations of Renmin University of China, said that the United States is not a 'paper tiger'. Its measures may indeed cause losses, but they will also hurt itself. 'This does not serve the interests of either side.'
Globalized think tank researcher Prince Chen believes Trump's personal statements about Iran have been given "a considerable credibility reduction" now.
On August 20, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference. During the meeting, a journalist asked that U.S. President Trump announced the implementation of “the most severe economic measures against any country,” targeting Iran’s trading partners. Some analysts believe that Trump’s threats could have an impact on China. What is the Foreign Ministry's comment on this?
Lin Jian stated that sanctions and pressure do not help in solving the issue. China calls on all relevant parties to take responsible measures and resolve the problem through political and diplomatic channels.
