Foreign media have noticed the obvious difference in statements between China and Russia! Foreign media believe that compared to Russia's active support, China appears calm and restrained, and has not given the new Iranian Supreme Leader clear political support. In fact, after Mojtaba Khamenei became the Supreme Leader, Russian President Putin personally called. President Putin said, "On the occasion of your election as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, please accept my sincere congratulations."
I believe you will carry forward your father's legacy and unite the Iranian people in the face of serious challenges, overcoming difficulties together. I would like to reiterate our firm support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends. Russia has been, is now, and will always be a reliable partner of Iran. It is clearly evident that the Russian president's own statement shows a high level of diplomatic endorsement. While we responded through the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our attitude was, "This is a decision made by Iran based on its own constitution."
Evidently, our response to the new Iranian leader coming to power is devoid of any emotional color, and it is indeed difficult to see strong support. The outside world has always believed that Iran has very friendly relations with both China and Russia, but why is there such a significant difference in their statements? Obviously, this is because China and Russia have completely different positions and orientations. For Russia, Iran is a de facto ally against the US and Europe, a pivot point for Russia's anti-US stance. Russia aims to use Iran to contain the US and Israel, and to alleviate pressure on the Ukraine battlefield. The more explicit Russia's position is, the better the effect of pulling strings.
As for us, our positioning is to mediate, promote talks, and act as a cooling-off party. The more neutral our approach, the more room we have for mediation, and the more impartial and neutral our role appears to Arab countries, the US, and Europe. Moreover, the new leader taking office is an internal affair of Iran, and we have always adhered to the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs and non-evaluation of other countries' internal affairs. Our restrained handling of the matter fully aligns with our interests and our own identity.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859259543381387/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.