Washington has been trying to build an international coalition to purportedly ensure maritime security in the Persian Gulf against the backdrop of spiraling US-Iran tensions and volatile tanker incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, with most of its allies still on the sidelines about the matter.
A Chinese media outlet has referred to expectations of Beijing joining a US-led naval mission to allegedly safeguard shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf as no more than “wishful thinking”.
According to the Global Times report, although some in the US might hope China would become involved in the mission to help alleviate tensions between the US and Iran, such a turn of events is highly unlikely, as it would jeopardise the interests of both Beijing and Tehran.
“This is obviously wishful thinking. Iran is a comprehensive strategic partner of China and China is dedicated to safeguarding peace and stability in the Persian Gulf. Such a coalition would only damage Iran's interests and thus China's”, says the report.
It went on to underscore Beijing's successful cooperation with Iran in fighting piracy, and joint attempts to maintain regional stability and security.
China has dispatched naval fleets on escort missions to the Gulf of Aden, the waters off Somalia and established a support base in Djibouti for ships of the People's Liberation Army, the report goes on to say, adding:
“There should be a maritime coalition, but definitely not one led by the US or one meant to serve US…
