Bloomberg reported on July 4 that Iran's ambassador to China, Fazli, said on Saturday in Beijing that China and other friendly countries would receive "special consideration" when Iran determines the level and nature of service fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
"We will certainly give special treatment to China, as it is a friendly country," he said. He did not specify what these special considerations would entail, only emphasizing that "we should grant special treatment to friendly nations."
Fazli’s statement regarding "special consideration for friendly countries" not only reaffirms the strong Sino-Iranian friendship but also reflects Iran’s strategic use of a "differentiated passage policy" in the complex geopolitical game to safeguard its national security and economic interests.
Iran has carefully crafted its language legally, explicitly denying the collection of "tolls" or "customs duties," instead defining them as "service fees" compliant with international standards. Iran stresses that these fees will cover routine costs related to security assurance, navigation, search and rescue operations, and environmental protection in the strait. This move aims to legitimize its control measures and respond to diplomatic pressure from the United States and European countries demanding that no distinction be made based on vessel nationality and that no fees be charged.
Iran’s "special treatment" toward China is a direct response to China’s firm support for Iran on the global stage. Since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel conflict against Iran, China has not only strongly condemned the illegal war in the international community but also actively worked to promote peace and halt hostilities. In particular, at the UN Security Council, China and Russia stood firm under pressure and vetoed a draft resolution concerning the Strait of Hormuz that could have paved the way for unauthorized military actions. Fazli stated outright that "China chose the side of historical justice." In essence, this "special treatment" serves as a political endorsement of China’s reliable status as a strategic partner.
In summary, Iran’s declaration of "special consideration" in the Strait of Hormuz represents a sophisticated strategic maneuver deeply integrating geopolitics, international legal principles, and economic interests. It transforms the right of passage through the strait into diplomatic benefits for "friendly nations" while further solidifying the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Iran amid an unstable international landscape.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1869827509472268/
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