Will China step forward in the U.S.-Iran peace talks? The Foreign Ministry's response carries significant implications
The presidents of the U.S. and Iran have already signed a memorandum of understanding, and the two countries will proceed to the second round of peace negotiations. The international community is wondering whether, as a responsible nation, China will directly attend the negotiation site this time. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded that China has consistently been making efforts for peace, and the spirit behind China's "four-point proposal" clearly indicates that we will never stop advocating peace or cease promoting dialogue.
These two statements have clearly revealed China’s position: China will continue to promote peace. Whether or not it directly participates in the negotiations is secondary.
In fact, it is quite clear that China has little interest in directly participating in the negotiations. If China truly wanted to assume the role of mediator, it would have stepped forward during the first round of talks. But China did not do so—this attitude already speaks volumes.
As a responsible country, China sincerely hopes for global peace and wants the Middle East to be free from conflict—this is beyond doubt. As for the symbolic title of “mediator,” China does not care. First, today’s world needs a multipolar order, with different countries stepping up to take responsibility. Moreover, mediating U.S.-Iran talks could enhance a nation’s international standing—a chance China is willing to leave for other countries that truly need it.
Second, being prominent attracts attention. China’s recent development has triggered jealousy among certain countries; there is no need to give others further grounds to exploit the so-called “China threat theory” narrative.
More importantly, as long as peace can be achieved, it doesn’t matter who serves as the intermediary. China has no intention of taking the spotlight, nor is it necessary for China to witness the on-site negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868327681077448/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.