ANALYSIS
The long-running conflict involves the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and the Abu Musa islands in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has had control of these islands, which the UAE claims as its own territory, since 1971
Almost a week ago, China once again said it supported Abu Dhabi’s view on the three islands that Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) both claim. The long-running conflict involves the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and the Abu Musa islands in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has had control of these islands, which the UAE claims as its own territory, since 1971.
During the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing, a statement was released expressing China’s support for the UAE’s efforts to find a peaceful solution through direct talks between the parties involved. Iranians believe there is no need for talks because they have controlled the islands for many years.
Upset with China’s stance, Iran called in Cong Peiwu, the new Chinese ambassador to Iran, for a meeting, at which the Iranian government told Beijing that it expected China to “change its position” on the islands.
After meeting Iranian officials, Beijing reaffirmed its position, stating that the original statement truly represented their views on the issue. It is not clear if China is just trying to win favour with the UAE, thinking that a serious dispute over the islands is very unlikely. However, it is clear that relations between Iran and China are not entirely smooth right now.
This is not the first dispute
This is not the first time the three islands have caused problems in the relationship between Iran and China. China has upset Iran before while trying to maintain good relations with both Iran and its rivals.
In December 2022, Beijing released a joint statement with the Gulf Cooperation Council that was very similar to this one about the three islands. Iran summoned the Chinese ambassador, says Al-Monitor. The Iranians were angry, and former President Ebrahim Raisi brought up the issue during a meeting with the Chinese vice-premier. After that, relations between the countries continued as usual, at least officially.
However, Beijing did not come out of that situation completely unhurt. Although the Iranian government quickly moved on and even praised China for helping to normalise relations with Saudi Arabia three months later, tensions still lingered beneath the surface. The statement made some people in Iran even more worried about China’s influence in their country. This caused several Iranian politicians to criticise Beijing harshly. Some politicians even suggested that Iran should reconsider its long-standing support for China on such key issues as the Uyghur crisis and Taiwan’s status.
They felt that, if China was willing to challenge Iran’s sovereignty, Iran should consider doing the same in return. After all, China has always emphasised the importance of sovereignty and mutual non-interference in its relationship with Iran. If China’s commitment to sovereignty has just been empty words, why should Tehran continue to pretend otherwise and stay close to China, at all?
Iran’s increased isolation
The reason is Iran’s isolation on the global stage. This was clearly shown by recent events at the International Atomic Energy Agency. For Tehran, maintaining its relationship with Beijing is valuable, even if it means dealing with occasional issues. On Wednesday (June 5), the IAEA voted to criticise Iran for not cooperating with the agency. China and Russia opposed this decision. This opposition did not really protect Iran as the vote for the non-legally binding censure was still passed, China does continue to support Iran on important global issues. Even such occasional support from China helps Tehran.
In a joint statement with Iran and Russia, China urged Western countries to show political will, stop escalating tensions and take steps to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. This kind of support is what keeps the strong relationship between China and Tehran alive.
The problem: Tehran has been cut off from much of the world for a long time. But China has always been willing to work with Iran. Even though some people in Iran criticise China for dominating their market, China has been a crucial support for Iran’s economy, especially during times of international sanctions and political isolation.
Possible actions: They could get upset about China’s comments on Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, or they could express their anger and move on. Instead, they could focus on the many economic and political benefits they gain from their relationship with China. For Iranian officials, there is no question about their preferred path. The relationship with China may have its ups and downs, but Tehran has no plans to end it.
(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own and do not reflect those of DNA
DNA TV Show: Congress not to contest UP by-polls, lends 'unconditionally' support to SP
Venom The Last Dance movie review: Tom Hardy's final Marvel outing is a king-size disappointment
Pushpa, Stree 2 choreographer Jani Master gets bail in sexual assault case
Who is Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the next Chief Justice of India?
KL Rahul rejects retention offer from Lucknow Super Giants, set to enter IPL 2025 auction: Report
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance to give bonus share ahead of Diwali, check last date to apply
When Hollywood actress Natalie Portman insulted a BIG Bollywood megastar, he was asked to 'get lost'
J-K: 2 porters killed, 3 soldiers injured after Army vehicle attacked in Gulmarg
Shah Rukh Khan is back on small screen with legendary tale, it will lead up to…
Pre-Diwali Skincare: 5 quick tips to achieve flawless skin this festive season
Bomb threats to Indian planes continue: More than 80 flights receive fresh security alerts
Mumbai Police arrests vegetable seller from Jamshedpur for sending death threat to Salman Khan
'Dukh toh hota hi hai': Ex-India star blames MS Dhoni for dropping him at the 'peak of career'
Amitabh Bachchan defended Aishwarya Rai after she opted out of this film due to...
THIS company lost Rs 36430 crore in 6 hours, it's not Mukesh Ambani's Reliance, Tata Motors
Narak Chaturdashi 2024: Know the date, time, rituals, significance of Choti Diwali
'Attitude is...': Ex-Tesla employee shares experience working with Elon Musk
IND vs NZ: Washington Sundar scripts history in Pune, becomes first Indian to achieve big feat
Mukesh Ambani hails Meta CEO, says Mark Zuckerberg will go down in history for...
SC issues notice to Ajit Pawar on Sharad Pawar faction's plea over NCP 'clock' symbol
'UPSC hotspot': THIS college produces most IAS, IPS officers every year
Unlock the Power of Quick Recovery: Why every windows PC needs RestoreX360
Royal Enfield first electric bike spotted, it will be unveiled on…
'Dead' baby found alive during funeral in..., what happened next will SHOCK you!
Anil Ambani gets good news ahead of Diwali, his Rs 17016 crore company receives...
Apple iPhone 16 pro is now available for just Rs 52,930 on Amazon, how you can grab this deal
Diwali 2024: 5 vastu-friendly home decor tips to welcome wealth, prosperity this Deepawali
'Breasts, not oranges': Cancer awareness campaign by Yuvraj Singh's NGO draws flak, DMRC recalls it
Virat Kohli reveals being in tears while talking to Anushka Sharma following THIS incident
Man kidnapped from chaat stall, but there's a twist, watch viral video
IND vs NZ: R Ashwin goes past Australia's Nathan Lyon to set new World Test Championship record
Dhanteras 2024: Date, significance, shubh muhurat and more
Nvidia rolls out Hindi-language AI model in India: What is it and how will it work?
Netizens not happy with this billionaire's apartment in Bengaluru, says, 'you can afford better'
'Kejriwal, Atishi looted Rs 8,500 crore for...': BJP protests at Yamuna's Chhath Ghat
Cyclone Dana trains cancelled: Over 300 trains cancelled, check full list here
Bengaluru school's Rs 1.5 lakh fees for Nursery sparks controversy, parents' reaction goes viral
THIS rule will change from November 1, Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL users should pay attention, it will...
Video of man dancing around Russian woman at India Gate goes viral, sparks online debate
Innovating the Future: Aniruddh Tiwari's visionary advancements in AI and aata analytics
Revolutionising Enterprise Data Frameworks: How one lead data engineer is driving innovation
Pakistani model's BOLD move, walks Miss World ramp without...; watch video
What role did IAS officer Srushti Deshmukh's family play in her UPSC success? Details here
BIG allegation against Donald Trump, ex-model says former president groped her in front of...
THIS rule made by Ratan Tata won't allow Noel Tata to become Tata Sons chairman, it is...
JioHotstar domain acquired by Delhi-based app developer, he now wants Mukesh Ambani's Reliance to...
Alia Bhatt was totally smitten with Aishwarya Rai's dance videos because...
Ind vs NZ 2nd Test: When, where to watch India vs New Zealand 2nd Test match live
When Salman Khan broke his silence on blackbuck case: ‘Just because I cannot…’
Hyundai Motor India launches historic IPO, paves way for innovation and growth in automotive sector
BIG change in world's richest people list: Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani's fortunes now...
Ananya Panday gets trolled for her outfit, netizens say ‘she is getting Janhvi-fied’
Tom Holland confirms Spider-Man 4, reveals film will go on floors in...