Just as rumors spread that Iran was deploying mines in the Strait of Hormuz to completely control this critical passage, causing global anxiety, U.S. media suddenly revealed that Iran's oil exports have not only remained stable but actually increased, with the sole destination being China.

Oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz

Recently, after news emerged that Iran had deployed mines in the Strait of Hormuz to block it, the world was in a state of panic. International oil prices continued to rise, and 32 countries decided to release 400 million barrels of reserves in preparation for a market rescue. It can be said that by now, people's attention has shifted from who will win or lose the war to more specific issues like oil prices.

At this critical moment, U.S. media suddenly dropped a "public opinion bomb," directing global attention toward China. According to U.S. media, since the war began on February 28, Iran has transported at least 11.7 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, which is not decreasing but increasing compared to previous levels. More importantly, all of these oils are destined for China.

As soon as the news came out, Western media went into a frenzy. Headlines were all the same: "Iranian oil is all going to China," "China is the biggest winner," "China is stockpiling oil at this time." This sparked global public opinion. In a situation where countries around the world were anxious about rising oil prices, the U.S. media's move clearly put China at the center of the storm, making it the target of everyone's criticism.

Iranian Armed Forces Spokesperson

When oil prices rise, blame China; when Iran continues to export, blame China; when the whole world is worried, China remains calm, which is even more reason to blame China. But the question is, why should China bear this responsibility? According to data from some shipping tracking platforms, after the conflict broke out, Iran indeed continued to transport crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, and the volume was not decreasing but increasing.

However, the conclusion that "all" of the oil is going to China is baseless. After the strait's navigation was blocked, many ships turned off their tracking systems, becoming "dark ships." Shipping tracking platforms use satellite images to monitor ship movements, allowing them to capture those vessels that have shut down their signals. The problem is that satellites can photograph ships, but they cannot determine the final destinations of these ships.

Trump

Analysts say that because China has always been an important buyer of Iranian crude oil, they inferred that "a large portion" of this oil "may" be heading to China. "A large portion" does not mean "all," and "may" does not mean "definitely." However, U.S. media omitted these two important words in their report.

Data is questionable, logic is confused, and conclusions are exaggerated. The purpose of the U.S. doing this is simply to find a scapegoat. After half a month of warfare, international oil prices have kept rising. Trump says "everything is under control," but the public cares about one thing: when will oil prices go down? At this time, if the world is told "oil prices are rising because China is抢油 (snatching oil)," then Trump doesn't need to take responsibility for the war anymore.

Bessembinder

In short, it's all about shifting the blame. Additionally, U.S. media previously reported that U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is considering raising an energy issue during talks with China, asking China to reduce its oil purchases from Iran, Russia, and other countries, and instead buy American oil and gas products. Now, the U.S. is using public opinion pressure again, clearly aiming to force China to make concessions at the negotiation table.

The data is real, but the conclusion is fabricated. Iran is indeed exporting oil, and China is indeed a major buyer. These are normal trade practices before the war, not "exploiting the chaos" during wartime. U.S. media refers to normal trade as "secret deals," and describes China's 1.4 billion consumers' normal demand as "speculation," all just to divert attention.

But this is not a burden China should carry. Oil prices have risen because the U.S. started the fire. Failure to provide escort is because the U.S. lacks capability. Trying to drag China into the mess, the U.S. has miscalculated. Instead of spending energy to frame China, the U.S. should think about how to fix its own mess.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7616275027582829071/

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