China seeks prominence in the Iran crisis
Beijing has launched a diplomatic offensive. Promotes a five-point plan with Pakistan, seeks support in the Gulf and rejects any use of force in the Strait of Hormuz. It’s a clear move: China wants a bigger chair at the table of global geopolitics.
But what’s behind the plan? The proposal speaks of dialogue and stability. However, details are scarce. As so many times before, good intentions collide with the lack of concrete mechanisms to make them come true.
Skepticism from Washington
In the United States they look with distrust. US officials consider the Chinese effort “more rhetorical than substantive.” The administration does not want to boost Beijing’s international prominence or allow it to capitalize on a possible diplomatic breakthrough.
Officials have indicated that Washington is not willing to boost China’s international prominence.
The position is distant, although not closed to changes if high-level politics decides so. It’s the old power game: no one wants to give ground.
Meanwhile, China does not stop. Its foreign minister holds talks with Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the EU. Send emissaries to the region and insist that the priority is a ceasefire. The stability of global energy trade hangs by a thread, and Beijing knows that it has a lot to lose… and gain.
