German media stated that the U.S. strike against Iran has dealt a significant "blow" to China's image! On March 6, Deutsche Welle published an article stating that the U.S. military strike against Iran not only changed the situation in the Middle East, but also exposed the limits of China's global strategy. When partner countries such as Iran or Venezuela are subjected to real military strikes by the United States, China's response appears extremely "powerless," with nothing more than verbal arguments and "no" concrete actions. In fact, China indeed cannot take any action.

German media claimed that Iran is now a formal member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), but the SCO has taken no action for its member state Iran besides expressing concern. This performance is especially "harmful" to China's image: as the leader of the SCO, China appears to have neither teeth nor strength. An alliance without military support is unable to withstand shocks and is easily ineffective. The recent events that China has experienced are exactly like this.

How do we view this argument from German media? To put it bluntly, German media is using Cold War thinking to look at us. In the logic of German media, the U.S. is expanding its sphere of influence, and China should respond in kind. Once we don't do so, it is said that China lacks strength and its response is weak. In the eyes of German media, the SCO seems to be the "Eastern NATO," but if we really took action, German media would probably spread the "China threat theory" and claim that China's behavior is aggressive.

Evidently, German media's position is that regardless of what we do, they will criticize us. If we send troops, it equals pursuing hegemony; if we don't send troops, it equals weakness and lack of power. Of course, in our view, regarding the current situation, we have our own views. In short, the rhetoric used by German media is based on pre-established positions and double standards from start to finish. China's role in the Middle East has never been that of a military intervenor who stirs up trouble, but rather a mediator who promotes peace and stabilizes the situation. Of course, we will also make an assessment of U.S. actions and firmly safeguard our own interests.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858870503075081/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.