China maintains its stance on three disputed islands in the Persian Gulf, despite anger from Tehran over Beijing’s support for the United Arab Emirates in resolving the issue. The islands in question – Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa – are claimed by both the UAE and Iran, with Tehran controlling them since 1971. Iran summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest China’s support for the UAE’s claims, urging Beijing to reconsider its position. However, China reiterated its call for dialogue and consultation between Iran and the UAE to resolve the matter peacefully, emphasizing that its stance is consistent.
The Chinese foreign ministry defended its position, stating that it aligns with the content of the China-UAE Joint Statement and remains unchanged despite Iran’s objections. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the ministry, highlighted the strong relationship between China and Iran, underscoring the importance of their strategic partnership. The diplomatic dispute arose when China, in collaboration with Gulf Cooperation Council countries, issued a joint statement in December 2022 urging efforts to address the islands’ issue. Notably, the previous statement also emphasized the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, whereas the recent one with the UAE did not mention this aspect.
The ongoing tension between Iran and China regarding the disputed islands reflects broader geopolitical dynamics in the Persian Gulf region. China’s strategic interests and economic ties with various countries, including Iran and the UAE, play a significant role in shaping its diplomatic stance. The Chinese government’s emphasis on dialogue and consultation as the preferred means of resolving disputes aligns with its broader foreign policy approach of non-interference and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Despite Iran’s displeasure, China’s position underscores its commitment to maintaining balanced relations with different regional actors.
The dispute over the islands in the Persian Gulf underscores the complexities of overlapping territorial claims and geopolitical rivalries in the region. The involvement of external powers such as China adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as these countries navigate relationships with multiple stakeholders. China’s diplomatic balancing act between Iran and the UAE reflects its efforts to safeguard its strategic interests while avoiding taking sides in regional disputes. As a major global player, China’s stance on sensitive issues like the Persian Gulf islands carries implications for regional stability and geopolitical dynamics.
The diplomatic tension between Iran and China highlights the challenges of managing relationships with countries that have competing territorial claims. The dispute over the islands is a longstanding issue that reflects broader geopolitical power struggles in the Persian Gulf region. China’s pragmatic approach of supporting dialogue and consultation underscores its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully and maintaining stability in the region. Despite facing criticism from Iran, China’s efforts to maintain a balanced position demonstrate its nuanced understanding of complex geopolitical realities and its willingness to engage constructively with multiple stakeholders.
In conclusion, China’s stance on the disputed islands in the Persian Gulf underscores its strategic interests and commitment to diplomatic engagement in the region. The ongoing tension with Iran over the issue highlights the complexities of managing relationships with multiple actors with competing interests. China’s emphasis on dialogue and consultation as the preferred means of resolving disputes reflects its broader foreign policy principles of non-interference and peaceful conflict resolution. As the situation evolves, China’s diplomatic efforts will continue to be closely watched for their impact on regional stability and geopolitical dynamics in the Persian Gulf.
