A Common Enemy
For years, Iran and China have been strategic partners united by their common enemy in the United States. Tehran relies heavily on China for economic support and oil sales. Beijing has benefited from the easily accessible Iranian energy. When tension seems to escalate in the Middle East, Beijing has decided to sit on the sidelines and not offer Iran any meaningful military or political assistance. Beijing would much rather wait for the war to de-escalate.
This cautious behavior from Beijing highlights the crucial reality of the war. Beijing and Tehran are not true allies, but simply strategic. This is all part of a global strategy and economic priorities. Beijing will most likely not come to Iran’s defense in any major conflict.
A Partnership Based on Convenience
The relationship between Beijing and Tehran is merely just business and close acquaintances. Their partnership is driven mainly by shared interests, in trade and energy. There are no deep political or military commitments. Beijing mainly purchases large quantities of Iranian oil and often receives it at a discount. This is the only way Tehran makes any profit. Beijing gains access to cheap energy and maintains its ground in the Middle East.
Tehran’s importance to Beijing is often underestimated. Iranian oil accounts for only a portion of Beijing’s energy imports, and Beijing has reached out to other suppliers, such as Russia and Saudi Arabia. China can obtain oil, and its economy would not collapse if Iran’s oil were disrupted.
Beijing views Iran as useful but not indispensable. Beijing is unwilling to risk major confrontation over a war that isn’t theirs.
Beijing Broader Middle East Strategy
Another reason Beijing avoids getting involved in the war is its extensive network of relationships across the Middle East. Beijing maintains strong economic relationships with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. These are major trading partners and energy suppliers.
Beijing’s priority in the Middle East is stability rather than political warfare. The Middle East is crucial for global energy, and disruptions could damage Beijing’s economic growth. If Beijing were to support Iran in a conflict this big, it could affect Beijing’s regional partners and threaten its access to its resources.
Beijing’s diplomatic behavior reflects its balance of power way of thinking. Even during periods of heightened conflict,, Chinese leaders typically call for ceasefires and negotiations rather than taking sides militarily. This approach allows Beijing to maintain working relationships with all countries.
Fear of Confronting the United States
Direct support for Tehran could also risk a confrontation with the United States, something Beijing wants to avoid. Although relations between Washington and Beijing have been tense. Beijing prefers competition with the United States to remain economic and political rather than military.
If Beijing helps Tehran’s military, they could get in trouble with the rest of the world, and for Beijing helping Tehran isn’t worth the risk of getting into an expensive fight.
Many Chinese companies are afraid to do business in Iran. They are afraid that if they do, the United States will punish them and not let them do business in America. Even though Beijing and Tehran signed a 25-year deal to work together, it has been moving slowly.
The U.S. has a lot of power over the world’s capital, and Beijing knows that if they do help Iran they could lose a lot of its own wealth.
Courtesy Of USAG- Humphreys (Flickr CC0)Military Priorities Elsewhere
Beijing’s military strategy is primarily focused on its own country rather than the Middle East. Beijing’s top security concern is the Western Pacific tensions that involve Taiwan and the South China Sea. Deploying military resources to defend Tehran’s war would redirect attention and capabilities away from their priorities.
Military intervention in Tehran could expose Chinese weapons systems against other countries’ technology. If Chinese equipment performed poorly, it could damage Beijing’s reputation for its military power. Beijing prefers to limit its involvement in the war.
Tehran’s Growing Dependence on Beijing
Tehran needs Beijing but Beijing doesn’t really need Tehran Because of the rules that stop other countries from buying their product Tehran has almost nobody to sell their oil to. Beijing has been their top customer. Beijing gets its oil from many different places and has the power to decide when to help and when to walk away.
Beijing’s help is merely talk and will say nice things about Tehran in meetings and will complain when western countries are mean to them but they will not send their army to help Iran fight a war.
Conclusion
Even though Beijing and Tehran are allies, it’s just business. Their relationship is just oil, and they share a common dislike for the United States.
Beijing has a lot of other things to worry about, and it needs to continue getting energy from other countries, such as Saudi Arabia. Beijing plans to avoid getting into a big fight with the U.S.
Beijing does what is best for its country, and it might like having Tehran as a business partner, but it isn’t going to risk its money or safety to save them.
By William Hernandez
Journalist for Vlixx Magazine, reporting on news from around the world, ensuring timely, accurate, and detailed information to keep the public informed and educated.
Sources:
Foreign Affairs: Beijing Cares About the Oil, Not the Regime
Featured Image Courtesy of Priscila Martins Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of USAG- Humphreys Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
