One expert believes that the disagreement between Iran and China over the UAE’s stance on disputed Gulf islands will not escalate into a major diplomatic dispute. This is because China is Iran’s largest trading partner.
Iran’s foreign ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Tehran to express its displeasure and criticize Beijing for supporting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the dispute over the Gulf islands.
Experts suggest that the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) efforts to expand its influence in the Middle East have faced a setback.
Following the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, the CCP expressed support for the UAE’s attempts to peacefully resolve the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa in a joint statement released on June 2.
Iran and the UAE both claim ownership of these strategically located islands in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil transport.
Iran’s state media reported that the foreign ministry has conveyed its objections to the Chinese ambassador in Tehran and emphasized that these islands are an integral part of Iran’s territory.
At a press conference, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated China’s position on the islands and called for peaceful dialogue to resolve the differences. The spokesperson also reaffirmed China’s strong relationship with Iran.
Cheng Cheng-Ping, a professor, noted the significance of the islands in the region and predicted that despite the disagreement, it would not lead to a major diplomatic rift due to Iran’s reliance on China as its largest trading partner.
The CCP’s attempts to enhance its influence in the Middle East were highlighted during the China-Arab forum, where Xi Jinping emphasized diplomatic ties with Arab countries. However, this move inadvertently upset Iran once again.
As China seeks to strengthen its presence in the Middle East through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, experts point out that the CCP’s intentions may not align with solving the region’s substantive issues.
Overall, the complex relationship between the CCP and Iran, as well as China’s evolving role in the Middle East, continue to shape diplomatic dynamics in the region.
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