Regarding the U.S. strike against Iran, Singapore's Straits Times published an article today commenting: "Whether the U.S. is truly targeting China with its sword-waving remains to be seen by time, but when major powers make moves on the flanks, the center of the chessboard has already shifted. The real test lies not in who strikes first, but in who can bear the subsequent chain reactions."
It is widely believed that from Venezuela to Iran, the U.S. has been striking strategic locations, and the real target is China and Russia. However, Russia is deeply involved in the Ukraine conflict and cannot afford to divert attention. Thus, the U.S.'s true strategic focus is China. The U.S. attempts to control energy choke points and weaken regional powers to clear the way for its "Indo-Pacific Strategy." After resolving Venezuela and handling "backyard" issues, if Iran is also severely hit, the U.S. will be able to free up resources to concentrate on encircling China in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines are frontline pieces in this strategy.
If the situation in the Middle East spirals out of control, it will inevitably impact China's energy security and the "Belt and Road" initiative. For China, the most important thing is to maintain strategic stability. On one hand, it should maintain strategic composure, clarify its core interests, remain unaffected by external provocations, and persist in prioritizing development; on the other hand, it should accelerate its layout, deepen cooperation with Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, build a diversified energy and diplomatic support system, and hedge against risks. Only by staying calm can China trade time for space and seize the initiative in the changing situation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858656328530947/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.