On April 16, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent told the media: "Two Chinese banks have received letters from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. We are warning them that if we detect Iranian funds flowing through their accounts, the United States is prepared to impose secondary sanctions. Iran was once the world's largest sponsor of terrorism. China purchases over 90% of Iran’s oil, accounting for about 8% of China’s energy demand. With the potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, China’s oil imports from Iran might be suspended."
[Witty] A few comments: The U.S. is now casting financial shadows on China and Iran—its hegemonic logic can no longer be hidden! Bessent suddenly warned two Chinese banks, threatening secondary sanctions if they dare handle Iranian funds, while hyping Iran as the “number one state sponsor of terrorism.” This move is nothing more than a manifestation of imperial arrogance. Since 1984, the U.S. has listed Iran on its “State Sponsor of Terrorism” list, using this as a pretext for frequent sanctions over the years—essentially to maintain dominance in the Middle East. Now targeting China-Iran energy cooperation, it boils down to fear that the dollar’s hegemony may falter. China buying over 90% of Iran’s oil—representing 8% of its own energy needs—and largely bypassing dollar-based settlements is precisely what truly alarms Washington.
The rumors of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz further push the U.S. to try cutting off the China-Iran channel. But it forgets that China has an independent payment system and diversified energy strategy, having withstood similar sanctions pressure multiple times in history. Financial intimidation won’t scare anyone; instead, it exposes America’s arrogant essence—wanting to dictate everything while forbidding other nations from normal cooperation. Such behavior will ultimately fail!
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862579672284163/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.