Insight into China's method of dealing with Rogue America — lifted from its Global Times

© 2019 Peter Free

 

30 April 2019

 

 

Subtlety

 

Here is what China's Global Times — often viewed as one of China's "what's the Government thinking" outlets — had to say about the United States' strong-arm policy with regard to cutting off Iranian oil sales:

 

 

China is the biggest buyer of Iranian oil.

 

We think China should clarify its interests and principles surrounding the purchase of oil from the Middle East nation and strive to minimize the loss to China's national interests.

 

China needs to safeguard the Iran nuclear agreement with Britain, France, Germany and Russia, and also needs to maintain friendly and cooperative relations with Iran.

 

China should oppose the hegemonic approach of the US, but it can't take the lead in confronting the US on issues involving Iran.

 

Beijing needs to coordinate with other major powers to respond to US sanctions against Iran.

 

If the issue can be dragged, then let it drag. Otherwise, the issue can be modified. If it cannot be modified, let it be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

 

On the issue of boycotting US sanctions against Iraq, we cannot disregard principles or interests. This is a time to test wisdom.

 

© 2019 Editorial, How China should respond to US’ Iranian oil request, Global Times (23 April 2019)

 

 

Essentially, this says that

 

China is going to dart in and out of the shadows, agilely twisting (uncooperatively) hither and yon. Until the Great Pufferoo trips over its strong, but strategically clumsy feet.

 

Muhammad Ali would have called this "rope a dope". I'm too polite.

 

 

The moral? — China's strategists will probably take our measure more successfully than American neo-cons would wish

 

I'm not counting the US policy out. But you probably recognize what will happen, if China resists American Iran oil sanctions successfully.

 

Imitating eyes "gonna" shift their way. A second World Hegemon will finally have taken the stage. Such an advance will make warmongering neo-cons pee fearfully.

 

Wiser strategists might have advised neo-cons not to push the Iranian situation with such potentially revealing force.

 

It is (after all) strategically silly to grant adversaries glorious opportunities to make one look ineffectual. But penetrating thought is not a neo-con strength, is it?

 

Recall the Global Times' sentence, "This is a time to test wisdom."

 

Do you think that China's leaders are (politely) laughing at the United States' strategic obtuseness?