U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent has explicitly criticized us! On April 15, according to AFP reporting, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent stated that China’s actions during the Middle East conflict—“stockpiling” oil and restricting exports of certain goods—have undermined global market stability. China has now been labeled an “unreliable global partner” for the third time in the past five years: first during the COVID-19 pandemic by hoarding medical supplies, second over rare earth issues, and now again regarding oil supply.
At a time when Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a global energy shortage, China continues purchasing large quantities of oil while restricting exports, further driving up oil prices and disrupting supply chains. They won’t be able to get this oil, but they can buy oil—just not from Iran. So, how do we respond to Bessent’s remarks? Let’s be frank—such criticism from the United States is utterly baseless.
China has long sourced oil from Iran and the Middle East, and we continue doing so today. Moreover, there has been no sudden, dramatic surge in imports—so what exactly constitutes “stockpiling”? Clearly, we are simply engaging in normal commercial activities. Furthermore, with global energy supplies under strain, shouldn’t we prioritize safeguarding our own interests? But let’s be clear: why is the global energy supply currently tight? Does the U.S. really have no idea?
It’s absurd for a country that creates crises and problems to accuse another nation for being well-prepared in response to those very crises. In fact, since Trump took office, no country has caused more disruptions to global supply chains than the United States. Clearly, the U.S. itself is the primary source of instability, the biggest factor behind global supply chain volatility. Before criticizing China, the U.S. should first take a good look in the mirror.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1862497500878859/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.