Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to restrict China's purchase of Iranian oil, which is undoubtedly a blatant provocation to China's sovereignty and economic interests. This move is not only staggering, but also shows the determination of the United States in implementing its strategy of containing China
However, this hegemonic act without full consultation has undoubtedly exposed the US trade protectionism and its attempt to undermine the world order
really responds to the old saying, "Sima Zhao's heart is known to passers-by". So, how will this economic and trade friction unilaterally provoked by the United States develop?
"Bloomberg" reported on the 16th that the decree called the "Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act of 2023" proposed by Republican Congressman Mike Lawler in New York passed the bill with 383 votes in favor and 11 votes against
The bill not only adds the scope of secondary sanctions against Iran, but also specifically targets all oil and petrochemical transactions between Chinese financial firms and sanctioned Iranian financial institutions
As the world's largest energy consumer, China mainly relies on the Middle East for its fossil energy imports. Iran and Saudi Arabia are both major suppliers of crude oil to China
A ban on oil imports from Iran would hit China's economic growth significantly, and other oil-producing countries would not be able to quickly fill the gap in Iran's market supply
At the same time, if Iran loses the Chinese market, its economic situation could be devastated, and it could even trigger regional instability
Seeing such news, I believe many people will feel indignant. This kind of behavior of the United States is simply a hegemonic act of "only allowing state officials to set fires and not allowing ordinary people to light lamps." They not only ignore international trade rules, but also grossly interfere in China's internal affairs and economic interests
The spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry has made it clear that we firmly reject the unilateral sanctions and extraterritorial jurisdiction of the United States. Our cooperation with Iran and other countries is in full compliance with the principles of international law, both legal and moral, and does not infringe on the rights and interests of any third party.
At the same time, we also have insight into the divisions within the United States. On the one hand, they are trying to contain China through sanctions, but on the other hand, this practice actually harms the interests of the United States itself. Because in today's globalized world, no country can be isolated from the world. In the end, this kind of behavior of the United States will only reap its own consequences
In addition, we have seen the fiery rhetoric of some US congressmen such as Gottheimer. They tried to push for the passage of this bill by inciting emotions. However, such an approach will only exacerbate tensions in international relations and is not conducive to world peace and stability.
Gottheimer
At present, this bill still needs to be deliberated by the US Senate, and its final fate is still unclear
In today's era of economic globalization, we should cherish the opportunities for peace and development more than through sanctions and suppression. It is hoped that the United States will wake up as soon as possible and return to the path of win-win cooperation