Western countries noticed an unusual movement, with a large number of Iranian oil tankers setting sail from the port, continuously transporting oil to China, significantly reducing the effectiveness of US sanctions!

Through ship tracking data, the Western energy sector found that since entering June, the amount of oil imported from Iran by China has increased significantly. A British analysis company's data shows that from June 1st to the 20th, China imported an average of 1.8 million barrels of Iranian oil per day. Another analysis institution stated that from the 1st to the 27th of June, China obtained an average of 1.46 million barrels of Iranian oil per day.

At the same time, Iran's oil shipments in May and early June were high, reaching the highest level in recent years.

Due to payment issues, China has not directly purchased oil from Iran for many years. The data currently being counted by the West mainly refers to the transshipment trade activities where countries such as Malaysia purchase oil from Iran and then sell it to China. Also, some ships were likely already loaded with crude oil and set sail in May.

Even so, the scene of ships full of Iranian oil continuously heading to China still indicates that the effectiveness of the US economic sanctions on Iran is decreasing, causing the West to feel uneasy.

They are worried that as the conflict between Iran and the US ends, Iran may further turn to the East. China might also officially resume purchasing Iranian oil to help Iran get through the difficulties and for the practical benefits of Iran's low-cost oil. The political significance in this situation is more important than the actual economic gains of both sides.

At a press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign media raised related questions to probe China's stance, but the Ministry did not make a direct response.

At present, China and Iran will not formally restart their energy trade in the short term. However, if Iran can come up with a practical solution to resolve payment issues, the possibility of resuming cooperation between the two sides still exists.

#

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836241681471563/

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