The U.S. is pressuring China to take sides, while Iranian senior officials arrive in Beijing urgently—China’s stance is resolute
On August 17, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi arrived in China and met with China's Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu. On August 23, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced this meeting.
During the talks, the Iranian side briefed China on the latest developments in the Gulf situation and Iran’s position. He stated clearly: facing changes in the Gulf region, Iran remains firmly committed to defending its sovereignty and security, while also expressing willingness to continue resolving issues through diplomatic negotiations. He especially thanked China for “upholding justice and fairness,” and expressed hope that China would play a greater role in maintaining regional peace and stability.
Miao Deyu’s response was equally unambiguous: China closely monitors the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, actively promotes reconciliation and dialogue, and stands ready to continue efforts toward restoring peace and stability in the region at the earliest opportunity.
The timing of this meeting was extremely precise.
On August 24, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent unveiled a plan aimed at shifting retaliatory military strikes in the Middle East toward a “comprehensive economic isolation” of Iran, threatening to sustainably block the Strait of Hormuz and cut off all access channels to Iranian ports.
Just one week before the U.S. began preparing for such actions, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister was seated in a meeting room at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Even more noteworthy is another development: early on August 19, the UAE Foreign Ministry announced it would suspend all trade, commercial activities, and financial transactions with Iran. The UAE is Iran’s second-largest trading partner after China. Cutting off this “economic lifeline” has inevitably intensified pressure on Iran.
China has already responded to U.S. pressure, explicitly stating that sanctions are ineffective in solving problems and that China will not join the U.S. in playing games over the Iran issue. At this critical juncture, China’s meeting with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister sends an unmistakable signal.
As the U.S. attempts a “suffocation-style” economic blockade and the UAE has severed economic ties, Iran’s situation is rapidly deteriorating. By meeting with Iran’s top diplomat at this moment, China is effectively telling Washington: you may impose sanctions and blockades, but China will not play along with your script.
Beyond helping Iran, China’s timely assistance also sends a clear message across the entire Middle East: when the U.S. resorts to sanctions and blockades, there still exists a major power willing to sit down and talk.
In the chess game between the U.S. and Iran, China has already made its move.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1874392843499592/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.