28 Mar 2024


Sputnik - China is likely to maintain cooperation with Iran even after the resumption of the American sanctions regime, scholars told Sputnik, adding that Beijing could play the role of a broker by creating a common platform for talks on the future of the Iran nuclear deal following Washington's decision to exit the agreement.




Beijing has a very good experience ofusing workarounds while developing cooperation withcountries subjected toAmerican sanctions, Irina Fyodorova, a senior researcher atthe Institute ofOriental Studies ofthe Russian Academy ofSciences (RAS), toldSputnik China, commenting onDonald Trump's May 8 pullout ofthe Iran nuclear deal and his decision toresume anti-Tehran restrictions.
"Could Chinese companies be slapped byAmerican sanctions? Yes, ofcourse, they could, butthese sanctions would only mean that these specific companies will not be able toconduct business inthe United States. So China, using its experience, will create companies that will operate only inIran and cooperate solely withIran. As a result, US sanctions would not significantly affect the activities ofspecific Chinese companies. China, asalways, could use the window ofopportunity, further increasing its collaboration withIran," Fyodorova presumed.


On the other hand, however, this would mean that Iran could come underChina's influence interms ofinvestments and technological cooperation, she remarked, adding that inany event there aren't too many alternatives forIran underthe current circumstances.

FollowingTrump's withdrawal fromthe Iran agreement, also known asthe Joint Comprehensive Plan ofAction (JCPOA), China's Foreign Ministry signaled that it will remain committed tothe accords expressing regrets overthe decision made byWashington.

Addressing a press conference onMay 9, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang highlighted that the JCPOA is "a multilateral agreement" endorsed byUN Security Council Resolution 2231.
"All relevant parties should implement the JCPOA ingood faith and ensure its integrity and sanctity," Geng emphasized.


He further noted that Beijing "will continue withnormal and transparent practical cooperation withIran onthe basis ofnot violating our international obligations," elaborating that the Chinese government is "opposed tothe imposition ofunilateral sanctions and the so-called long-arm jurisdiction byany country inaccordance withits domestic laws."

Additionally, Beijing called uponall parties involved tocome back assoon aspossible "to the right track ofcontinuing" the implementation ofthe JCPOA, pledging tomaintain dialogue and consultation withall relevant sides.

Referring tothe Foreign Ministry statement, Ji Kaiyun, a researcher atthe Center forIranian Studies atthe Chinese Southwest University, emphasized that Beijing needs topersuade all parties concerned,especially Iran, Israel and Saudi Arabia, toremain emotionless and not tomake hasty decisions. According tothe scholar, China should also initiate dialogue withEU member states onthe issue.
"Beijing could establish a platform fornegotiations either inChina or atanother global level, invite the sides concerned tohold talks, or actively assist the relevant parties insearching forappropriate mechanisms. All this could be done tolaunch negotiations using [China's] international contacts. Undoubtedly, inany event, peace talks are the simplest and the most effective way [to solve the issue]. Reaching mutual compromise and broad common consent is the best choice forthe international community," Ji believes.


The Chinese scholar underscored that Beijing needs toproceed withcomprehensive cooperation withTehran regardless ofWashington's withdrawal fromthe deal and boost trade and economic ties withIran.

On the other hand, the aggravation oftensions betweenIran and America's allies Saudi Arabia and Israel may prompt Washington topromote a sort of "surgical operation" asa way tosolve the problem, Ji suggested ina clear reference tothe use offorce onthe part ofthe US. For its part, China should have options forall possible scenarios and be ready torespond tothem, he added.

As the UK, France and Germany have issueda joint statement condemning Trump's pulloutand signaling their readiness tofurtherimplement the Iran agreement, observers suggested that both China and EU member states may develop mechanisms toevade Washington's sanctions.
"China could help the EU tocircumvent the US sanctions byoffering alternative financial networks forconducting business withIran," Tytti Erasto, a researcher onnuclear disarmament and non-proliferation issues atthe Stockholm International Peace Research Institute,toldSouth China Morning Post.


However, Fyodorova does not share this stance: According tothe academic, Beijing is not interested infinding ways forEuropean companies tocircumvent Washington's restrictions.
"Naturally, China will somehow cooperate withEuropean countries, butit will always seek benefits," she presumed. "China will not be engaged inany simple gratuitous assistance. On the contrary, it will continue touse the window ofopportunity toboost the influence ofits investments and technologies inIran," Fyodorova opined.



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