China-Iran Ties: Assessment and Implications for U.S. Policy
Over at AEI’s IranTracker.org, I assess the Sino-Iranian relationship and discuss implications for U.S. policy. I argue that “the China-Iran relationship is problematic for the United States not only because it frustrates Washington’s Iran policy, but also because the ultimate outcome of the Iran challenge has wider consequences for U.S. global leadership and credibility.” Indeed, I warn that the Tehran-Beijing relationship could become much more than an annoyance in U.S.-China relations:
Finally, in considering the possibility of a military conflict between Washington and Tehran, American military planners must take Chinese capabilities into consideration. While Beijing does not wish to see such an eventuality—and certainly does not want to be involved—history shows us that great powers cannot always control their partner states and can be drawn into wars that they had no intention of fighting. As Beijing continues to bind itself economically and diplomatically to Tehran, developments in Iran may start having consequences for China’s own credibility. In such circumstances, Chinese intervention in a conflict between the United States and Iran becomes much more likely.
Read the rest here.
