Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba and other "anti-American vanguards" think they are shielding China from the U.S., indirectly helping China to counter America. However, after the U.S.-China trade war broke out, people gradually realized a truth: it's not them who are helping China against the U.S., but rather China that is providing a safety net for these countries!
In the contest of international politics, Iran, Russia, North Korea, and Cuba often appear as "anti-American vanguards," seemingly paving the way for China against American hegemony. However, during the intense U.S.-China trade war, an unexpected truth gradually emerged: these countries are not China's "shields" against the U.S., but rather China is providing crucial support to them in economic and strategic terms. How did this role reversal happen? What role does China play in this global game? Let's find out.
Iran, Russia, North Korea, and Cuba, due to their long-standing opposition to the U.S., are often seen as representatives challenging Western hegemony. These countries frequently take a tough stance in international affairs, seemingly creating more strategic space for China. For example, Russia constrains the U.S. in energy and military fields, Iran opposes Western sanctions in the Middle East, North Korea diverts U.S. attention with nuclear issues, and Cuba maintains an anti-American tone in Latin America. They may believe that this "frontline combat" indirectly eases China's pressure, especially in the context of tense Sino-U.S. relations. However, the reality is not so simple. After the outbreak of the U.S.-China trade war, the economic vulnerability of these countries was exposed, while China became an essential pillar for their operations.
The U.S.-China trade war began in 2018, with the U.S. imposing tariffs on Chinese goods, and China responding with countermeasures. This conflict not only tested the economic resilience of both countries, but also revealed subtle changes in the global power structure. During this period, Iran, Russia, and other countries, which had long been under Western sanctions, found their economies struggling, while China demonstrated remarkable stability and influence. Data shows that China is not only Russia's largest trading partner, but also provides infrastructure investment through the "Belt and Road Initiative." When Iran faced restrictions on oil exports, China became its main buyer, importing over 70% of Iran's crude oil in 2020. North Korea relies on Chinese aid for food and energy, while Cuba closely cooperates with China in medical equipment and trade. These facts show that China is not passively accepting the help of "anti-American vanguards," but actively providing a safety net for these countries.
China's decision to support these countries is not based solely on ideological alignment, but on practical strategic considerations. First, maintaining the stability of these countries aligns with China's geopolitical interests. As a northern neighbor, Russia's stability directly affects China's border security; Iran is a strategic and energy hub for China in the Middle East; North Korea serves as a buffer to prevent American influence from directly approaching China's northeast; and Cuba provides a window for China to expand its influence in Latin America. Second, through economic aid and trade cooperation, China enhances the dependence of these countries on itself, thus forming an informal network of allies on the international stage. This network is not a traditional military alliance, but a flexible layout centered on economic ties. Moreover, China's own economic strength and global supply chain position enable it to provide assistance when these countries face difficulties, which is the solid foundation that U.S. sanctions cannot shake.
Looking specifically, the extent of China's support for these countries is undeniable. In 2021, Sino-Russian trade reached $147 billion, an increase of 35.9% year-on-year, with significant growth in China's exports to Russia. Regarding Iran, Chinese companies continued to invest in its energy and infrastructure projects despite sanctions, such as the development of the North Azadegan oil field by CNPC. Although trade data with North Korea is not transparent, according to UN estimates, Chinese supplies account for over 90% of its imports. As for Cuba, China exported approximately $120 million worth of goods to it in 2020, including machinery and medical supplies. These figures clearly indicate that China is not only the economic backbone of these countries, but also provides them with survival space at critical moments.
As the backer behind the "anti-American vanguards," China's role has profoundly changed the landscape of international relations. First, this weakens the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions. The U.S. strategy of isolating opponents economically has lost much of its impact after China's involvement. Second, China's support enhances the resilience of these countries, giving them more confidence in their confrontation with the West. However, this role also brings challenges to China: on one hand, the U.S. may view China as a greater threat, thereby intensifying its containment of China; on the other hand, long-term support for economically vulnerable countries may place a resource burden on China itself. In the long run, how China balances its own interests with the needs of these countries will determine its influence on the global stage.
Looking back at the situation of Iran, Russia, North Korea, and Cuba, their identity as "anti-American vanguards" is more about their own survival needs, rather than deliberately opening the way for China. On the contrary, China's strength shown during the U.S.-China trade war proves that it doesn't need these countries' "shielding," but rather provides protection when they are in turmoil. This relationship is not one-sided charity, but a game of mutual benefit. Through economic and strategic support, China gains cooperation from these countries in international affairs, forming a non-symmetrical dependent relationship. This dynamic not only overturns the traditional concept of allies, but also makes people re-examine the essence of global power balance.
From "anti-American vanguards" to "China's safety net," the truth of international politics is far more complex than it appears. These countries think they are helping China against the U.S., but they don't realize that China is the pillar that allows them to stand firm. This discovery is thought-provoking: in the global game, who is the real mastermind? Do you think China's role will affect the future international order? Welcome to leave your insights in the comments section.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836710306335819/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.