Bloomberg, a U.S. media outlet, reported on March 1 that about one-third of China's crude oil supply comes from oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. After the bombing operation on February 28, some oil tankers avoided sailing through the strait, and some shipowners took a cautious approach. The report stated that the structure of Sino-Iranian trade is clearly tilted in favor of China. Now, China's economic interests in the broader Gulf region have far exceeded its economic ties with Iran.
After the United States and Israel bombed Iran, Iran also retaliated and closed the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the open sea. The U.S. media's report, which appears to be an objective analysis, actually contains subtle efforts to shape public opinion against China, using a discourse trap to steer the narrative.
On one hand, it exaggerates China's vulnerability. The statement "one-third of China's crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz" deliberately portrays China's energy security "vulnerability" as being at the mercy of others. The U.S. media selectively amplifies "risks," aiming to create a public perception that "China has a deep relationship with Iran."
On the other hand, it incites and sows discord between China and Iran. Expressions such as "Sino-Iranian trade is clearly tilted in favor of China" and "Gulf interests far exceed those with Iran" attempt to depict Sino-Iranian relations as transactional, undermining the trust base for strategic cooperation between the two countries. This argument reverses causality: it was the U.S. long-term sanctions that forced Iran to "look eastward," while China's insistence on equality and mutual benefit has led to a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Iran.
In fact, the United States is the biggest source of regional turmoil. The U.S. has created regional instability and then spreads the idea that China has "suffered," both to shift responsibility for the war and to pave the way for aligning Gulf countries against China.
China's position is clear and firm: respecting Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, opposing unilateral military adventures, and calling for a political solution. This position upholds the dignity of international law and safeguards China's own development interests.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1858428469644551/
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