China joining the community of nations?

In the Jerusalem Post (by way of Best of the Web) reports that the Chinese are having a change of heart about Iran’s nuclear program;

In January 2006, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, who diplomatic officials in Jerusalem have said is as concerned about a nuclear Iran as Israel, went to China and reportedly told the Chinese leadership that Saudi Arabia would make up for any oil shortfall that might arise were the Iranians to cut back oil to China as punishment for sanctions.

Whether this is what had a decisive impact on the Chinese is uncertain, but it is clear that in December the Chinese, who historically have proven allergic to the idea of sanctions because of a fear that they may be used against it over issues such as human rights, Tibet and Taiwan, did support the initial UN Security Council sanctions against Iran.

I’m sure that Iran’s falling oil production has something to do with it, too. Since the Chinese have decided that they want to trade with the world and lean towards free markets, they’ll be more civic-minded when dealing with other nations. Probably less so towards their own workforce, though.

While Iran does not pose a direct threat to China, Beijing is concerned that a nuclear Iran would destabilize the region, something that could push oil prices way up and jeopardize the flow of oil – both of which could have a devastating effect on China’s breakneck economy.

The power of capitalism at work.

Category: Foreign Policy