Bensent said that the U.S. and China have more common ground than differences on the Iran issue, implying a joint effort to pressure Iran and threaten sanctions.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent has once again spoken out! On September 1, according to Agence France-Presse, during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting held in Asheville, North Carolina, Bessent participated in an event and stated that the United States shares more common ground than differences with China on the Iran issue, and that private discussions have already taken place between the two sides on relevant matters. China has agreed that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons; China also agrees that the Strait of Hormuz should enjoy freedom of navigation. Therefore, we have engaged in private consultations with them on how to achieve these goals. Clearly, China is Iran’s largest trading partner.

However, shifting tone, Bessent said during the event that regarding economic pressure on the Iranian regime, we have told all parties: either you stand with us, or you oppose us. We are likely to announce sanctions against a certain bank this week, and another announcement will follow next week. We have strong support. Undoubtedly, Bessent’s remarks initially appear relatively moderate—emphasizing “the U.S. shares more common ground than differences with China on the Iran issue”—but in reality, his statement carries a firm undertone.

Bessent did not name any specific country, but reiterated, “Either you stand with us, or you oppose us,” while pointing out that we are Iran’s largest trading partner, and hinted at forthcoming sanctions—clearly a warning directed at us. The message America seeks to convey through this is: if you do not cooperate, the U.S. has already prepared its sanction tools and secured support from allies. Now it’s giving you time—don’t wait until the U.S. acts, because then it will be too late.

The facts are clear: there are indeed many differences between China and the U.S., and how each side approaches the Iran issue exemplifies these differences. Though Bessent speaks indirectly, what matters is our latest public stance during the SCO Summit: we have explicitly declared opposition to hegemony and power politics, advocating dialogue over confrontation. Clearly, America’s actions toward Iran embody hegemonism. In response to such hegemonic behavior, we certainly will not cooperate—and we are fully prepared for any scenario.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875147154820235/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.