Real Clear World | Sarah Dimichino
The United States should avoid pressuring China for assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz and refrain from sanctioning Chinese oil refineries, particularly during an upcoming summit in Beijing. Despite a stalled war with Iran and a fragile ceasefire, China enters negotiations confidently, having made significant technological advancements and leveraged control over rare earths. US sanctions on Chinese "teapot" refineries have proven ineffective in curbing Iranian oil purchases, and unclear messaging regarding responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz projects weakness and confers legitimacy on China as a mediator. While reopening the strait is in everyone's interest, Washington's public demands risk inducing Beijing's reluctance. A more private approach to cooperation on the strait would allow both superpowers to maintain credibility and focus on longer-standing trade and defense issues, potentially yielding more strategic wins for the US.
No comments:
Post a Comment