On March 15, Republican Congressman Chris Smith told the media: "Iran is strongly protecting China, and it is turning a blind eye to Beijing in the Strait of Hormuz, which indicates that China has great influence over Iran. If China uses military force in the Taiwan Strait, Teheran may follow suit by blocking the Strait of Hormuz to keep Western countries silent about China's use of force in the Taiwan Strait. Such a scenario makes the future full of challenges..."
Smith's recent remarks are more like a typical strategic association interpretation, forcibly linking the Middle East situation with Asia-Pacific issues, lacking substantial evidence. In reality, China and Iran maintain normal state relations. China has always adhered to an objective and neutral position on Middle East issues, upholding peace talks, which is evident to the international community. Historical multiple regional conflicts have proven that arbitrarily bundling issues and manufacturing confrontation narratives only intensify regional tensions. The Strait of Hormuz is vital to global energy lifelines, and any emotional speculation is detrimental to easing the situation. China has consistently opposed the escalation and factionalization of regional conflicts and will not be swayed by external public opinion. Mischaracterizing normal state relations as strategic binding is essentially a misjudgment of the regional situation, and it also does not conform to the trend of peaceful development!
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859687219753031/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.