China Leader Warns Iran Not to Make Nuclear Arms

[bananas]

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/01/21/world/asia/chinese-leader-wen-criticizes-iran-on-nuclear-program.xml

China Leader Warns Iran Not
to Make Nuclear Arms
By MICHAEL WINES
Published: January 21, 2012

BEIJING - Prime Minister Wen Jiabao
wrapped up a six-day Middle East tour
this week with stronger-than-usual
criticism of Iran's defiance on its
nuclear program, and with
multibillion-dollar oil deals that would
seem to signal less reliance on Tehran
for China's growing energy needs.

Mr. Wen's criticism of Iran was well
received by his Persian Gulf hosts,
who urgently want to contain Iran's
regional power and nuclear program.
As the United States raises pressure on
China and other Asian oil importers to
curtail purchases from Iran, Saudi
Arabia - China's No. 1 supplier - and
some other gulf states have offered to
expand production to make up for any
gaps.

<snip>

Mr. Wen's comments on Iran were
unusually pointed for Chinese
diplomacy. In Doha, Qatar's capital, he
said China "adamantly opposes Iran
developing and possessing nuclear
weapons."

He also explicitly warned Iran not to
close the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian
Gulf bottleneck through which roughly
a fifth of the crude oil traded
worldwide passes, saying that such
action would be regarded as
aggression against most of the world's
nations. Iran had earlier threatened to
shut down the strait should the United
States strengthen sanctions against
Tehran.

<snip>

[gateley]

1. That's surprising. I thought China was quietly aiding Iran in their quest? nt

[Posteritatis]

2. China's kind of a fan of stability in these regards. (nt)

[gateley]

4. Well, then -- good! Thanks. nt

[DCBob]

7. Yes, China's future greatly depends on a stable world and stable market.

A nuke showdown would certainly not help in that regard.

[TheWraith]

11. Plus, most of China's oil comes through the Straits of Hormuz.

50% of it, in fact. If Iran shut down the Straits, it would more or less force China to take military action against Iran. That's not a move China is eager to make.

[bemildred]

13. +1. nt

[DCBob]

21. Good point.

At the root of everything is oil.

[pinto]

23. And the corollary - Iran doesn't want to close the Straits.

That's a major lifeline to their exports.

[bemildred]

6. China wants their oil, and they also want them to behave.

China has never indicated a positive view of Iran getting nuclear weapons, and I can't see any reason why they would. China is IMHO OK with Iran having nuclear power, it means more oil & gas for China, and OK with Iran being a cat's paw that China can use for it's own purposes, but they want things kept quiet too.

FWIW, it was us and our Yurpean buddies that got Iran started on the nuclear path back when we thoiught it was one of our satrapies in the Middle East.

[gateley]

9. Yeah, the finger often points back to us. We're pretty scummy.

I'm always when I read of some CIA action setting up a coup or taking over a city because America wants what it has to offer.

Who the fuck do we think we are?

Ironically, their greed and heavy-handedness has harmed us and we're no long the Greatest Nation on Earth.

[bemildred]

12. Yep, not merely evil, but incompetent, even clumsy.

We know everything and understand nothing. We don't really even care about them having nukes, it's their government we want to change, we want it to be our obedient little buddy again, and the nuke issue is a pretext.

[gateley]

22. It always comes down to oil and money. Always. nt

[DCBob]

3. I think this is good news.

China is steadily becoming more "westernized" in many ways.

[The Wielding Truth]

26. Me too. Can we give the Obama administration some credit now?

[the_chinuk]

5. They won't listen to us. What makes China think they'll listen to them? n/t

[Tobin S.]

8. The customer is always right?

Yeah, I don't think it's going to deter them either.

[pangaia]

34. May I modify that slightly..

I would say.. "The customer is always...the customer." "&gt

[dipsydoodle]

16. China has never pissed them off

unlike the USA.

[Smilo]

10. Isn't it hypocritical

for all the "super powers" to tell another nation - yeah we have nuclear weapons, but you can't have.

[fascisthunter]

15. yes, it is EXTREMELY Hypocritical

at least I think so.

[bananas]

17. No, it isn't, because the super powers have committed to disarmament

They realized mutual assured destruction was a really stupid idea.

edit to add: it's part of the NPT and there's been significant progress

[Smilo]

27. So they get rid of a few...........

and still have enough to destroy the world several times over.

The US, Russia, China, France, and Britain signed the NP treaty, but what about Israel, India and Pakistan and Korea - why has nothing being said about them?

[think]

18. My guess off the record China mentioned to Iran that they have their back

to relieve their fears. Just a guess...

[fascisthunter]

14. wow... interesting

I will also state I hope Iran does not create more nukes. It will just create more problems than do the people of Iran any good.

[carla]

31. Ironically,

a large world war has been prevented by the existence of nuclear weapons. Iran has proven itself to be as reliable as the USA, oops...

[pinto]

19. Interesting statement. China is Iran's largest oil / gas client.

Though the Chinese don't support sanctions, they apparently are negotiating for a better price for their oil & gas purchases. May be trying to play both sides of the diplomatic fence here...

[mazzarro]

20. The missing fact is that no one wants to bring the Israel's nuclear weapons into the discussion

The one thing that IMHO will change the whole discussion is that Israel's nuclear weapon be tabled for discussion and dismantled at the same time that Iran is compelled to allow for better monitoring to avoid nuclear weapons development coupled with assurance of the US not threatening and meddling in Iran's internal affairs.

[Hugabear]

28. +10000

Interesting how Israel's nukes NEVER seems to be an issue

[DCBob]

24. Which may explain this..

TEHRAN, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Saturday it considered the likely return of U.S. warships to the Gulf part of routine activity, backing away from previous warnings to Washington not to re-enter the area.

The statement may be seen as an effort to reduce tensions after Washington said it would respond if Iran made good on a threat to block the Strait of Hormuz - the vital shipping lane for oil exports from the Gulf.

"U.S. warships and military forces have been in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East region for many years and their decision in relation to the dispatch of a new warship is not a new issue and it should be interpreted as part of their permanent presence," Revolutionary Guard Deputy Commander Hossein Salami told the official IRNA news agency.

more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/21/iran-usa-idUSL6E8CL02U20120121

========

Dont forget if a GOPer was in the WH we likely would have bombed Iran by now and China and Russia would likely come to Iran's defense at which time our warmonger GOPer President would have made additional threats thus creating a global crisis potentially leading to a nuclear showdown.

That's just one example of how important it is to re-elect President Obama.

[bananas]

33. Yes, and a carrier has now entered the gulf without incident.

http://democraticunderground.com/101432305

[Centrik]

25. about time China

This is the China I'd like to see more often. Although this response is mainly because of the oil that they want. I believe.

[David__77]

29. General comments, nothing special.

They oppose the closure of shipping channels, of course. They also will block any UN-imposed sanctions against Iran, of course.

They oppose nuclear proliferation generally.

I will say, however, that China was smart to choose Wen to make these comments. Like Li Ruihuan before him, he's the designated "pro-Western" official or "soft-liner." The media and Western elites think that he was probably speaking for himself on some level though.

[AverageJoe90]

30. Perhaps Mr. Jiabao isn't all bad.......hopefully.

[pangaia]

35. According to many Chinese friends I have..

living both in Mainland China and elsewhere, Wen ( that is is family name by the way, not Jiabao) is, relatively speaking, one of the 'good ones." They are somewhat concerned that he will soon be replaced.

[AverageJoe90]

37. My apologies for the small mistake. :o

And what will happen to supporters of Premier Wen if a hardliner replaces him? I fear for China if these predictions come true.

[pangaia]

36. My wife is Chinese..

I have been to China many times, for what that is worth. I speak some Mandarin, although certainly not fluently Perhaps when you were there you might have tried to learn something about Chinese culture. No, saving face is not 'all that matters." And being honest with people is not the "worst thing you could possibly do." And I have no idea why you say it is a "godforsaken place." Animal torture" people in the USA torture animals. Spitting in the streets? People in the USA spit in the streets.
Chinese culture is over 4000 years old and one of the most complex on earth. Chinese art, calligraphy and music art some of the deepest and most expressive you will find anywhere. And there are no better chefs anywhere..anywhere, than in China. (Don't take that sugar, soy sauce and corn starch goop you find in the US for Chinese food.)
So maybe try again, and open yourself to what you find without judging. You might be surprised.

[VKaz]

38. This seems to be an over-the-top representation of the Chinese.

I am an American who lives in China right now.

I've also gotten the "We'll call you back later" at most jobs in America, and 90% of the time I wasn't hired.

[BadtotheboneBob]

39. The Chinese government, that is...

... are masters at playing both ends against the middle. But, their government does lie when it suits their purposes. e.g. the constant hacking of US commercial, governmental and military computer systems that are proved to have originated in China, yet the Chinese government denies, denies, denies. You are correct, though, that 'Face' is an important component of Chinese culture particularly when dealing with foreigners.

[TigerToMany]

40. i guess it's the nature of governments to lie to each other

For instance, how the US played both sides in the Iraq-Iran conflict. The US also supported the Mujhadeen in Afghanistan with weapons to fight the Soviets, but then turned around on them. And we'd also be crazy to think that the US isn't spying on China in one form or another at all times. But the US is not nearly as bad as China when it comes to human rights. The fact that rights even extend to hate groups like the KKK or the Tea Party shows us how good we have it here when compared to other countries.

[Marengo]

41. "The Chinese..."? As In All?

"You vely good techah, we carr you in few week. Prease wait for carr.”

After this garbage, you ought to change your user name to "BigotToMany".

[katsung47]

42. War on Iran in February

War on Iran in February (1) (1/21/2012)

In last December I learned that my brother and sisters would have a trip to India and Dubai between Feb. 2 to Feb 15, 2012. Since my relatives used to be arranged for a trip when the Feds has a new plan, that means there will be a new framed case in February and it always comes with big events as distraction- false flag terror attack, war, natural disaster or all of them.

A news proved my allegation. It will be Iran war this time.

[quote] Russian military experts say the U.S. is likely to war against Iran in early February
Date:2012-01-17
http://www.9abc.net/index.php/archives/72360 [/quote]

Why does the Feds choose February as operation time? Because there was a president election in Taiwan on Jan 14. National Party competed with Democratic Progressive Party for that seat. National Party is pro-China while D.P.P. pushes for independence of Taiwan. Of course, Beijing wants to see the National Party to win the presidency of Taiwan.

On the other hand, China is a key component in war on Iran. China is a big customer of Iran. It shares 20% of exported oil of Iran. China opposed war on Iran for its own interest. So if US wants the Iran war, it must buy the agreement of China. The D.P.P. of Taiwan became the chip of the deal and was sacrificed in 1/14/2012 presidential election.

On 1/10, Treasury Secretary Geithner visited China to confirm the secret deal.
1/14, Payment confirmed [quote] Taiwan's China-friendly president wins re-election
January 14, 2012 A.P.
|

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/01/14/taiwans-china-friendly-president-wins-re-election [/quote]
1/15, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao started his trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United A.E. (all are US allies) to pick up other payments from the secret deal.

[quote]China, Saudi Arabia and the New Oil Alliance - 16 January 2012
http://goldnews.bullionvault.com/china_oil_011620126 [/quote]

1/19, China confirms the deal to turn against Iran.
[quote] China Begins to Turn Against Iran

January 19, 2012 2:26 PM
During Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to the Persian Gulf, he struck deals with a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, many of whom are worried by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. China, which has long been one of Iran’s only allies and a major customer for its oil exports, now seems to be turning its back on Tehran. From the Telegraph:

“China adamantly opposes Iran developing and possessing nuclear weapons,” [Wen] said.

China appears to have sent a message to Iran that it could not rely on Beijing’s unstinting support by reducing its imports of oil at a time when the US and Europe are promoting an embargo on the country.

The Washington Post reported that China trimmed its oil imports from Iran in January from a daily average of around 550,000 barrels to 285,000 barrels a day.

Chinese foreign policy experts said the statement demonstrated that Beijing would not allow its international position to end up beholden to Iran.

http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2012/01/china-begins-to-turn-against-iran/ [/quote]