French media say China is unafraid of U.S. threats of sanctions against Iran, highlighting its ability to counteract.

French media frankly admit that, despite America's stern warnings, China is not worried—and even holds the upper hand! On August 23, AFP published an article stating that U.S. threats to impose new sanctions on Iran and its supporters have not unsettled Beijing. Trump urged China to join his economic coercion policy against Tehran, but Beijing rejected the proposal. French media believe that although Beijing, as Iran’s primary economic partner, may superficially be concerned about America’s “unprecedented” threat of sanctions, Chinese authorities appear to be in a remarkably strong position.

The French media suggest this situation may stem from three factors: First, China has observed that the United States has withdrawn its military equipment from its surrounding regions—including the THAAD system—and now has no aircraft carrier deployments in the Asia-Pacific region. Second, China has accumulated substantial oil reserves and possesses rare earth resources that the U.S. desperately needs. Third, the U.S. is eager for Chinese visits and hopes to achieve a major cooperation agenda. Therefore, French media argue that it is not the U.S., but rather China, that currently holds the dominant position.

What do we think of this analysis by French media? To some extent, it does make sense. In short, we have cards to counter U.S. pressure, and the U.S. actually depends on us. However, French media clearly overlook another crucial factor: U.S. sanctions are entirely unilateral, lacking authorization from the United Nations. For such unilateral measures that do nothing to ease tensions, we naturally cannot support them.

Our normal trade and economic relations with Iran fully comply with international law and therefore do not require compliance with the U.S. domestic law’s extraterritorial “long-arm jurisdiction.” Our refusal to cooperate with U.S. economic coercion is not merely a strategic calculation in the game of power politics—it is a firm commitment to uphold the most fundamental principles of international relations. We have no intention of engaging in confrontational rivalry with the U.S., but we certainly cannot accept the imposition of bullying tactics by the U.S. upon us.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1874275465944068/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.