Zhu noted that the United States’ “sanctions” policy is not new and stressed that China should remain calm and respond with composure.
Professor Zhu Weilie, Director of the Institute of Middle East Studies at the Shanghai International Studies University, evaluated Washington’s plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on countries trading with Iran in an interview with Sputnik.
Pointing out that the United States has two options, the Chinese expert said: “The first is to use military force against Iran, either together with Israel or unilaterally. The second is to impose tariffs on Iran or on countries trading with Iran in situations where the use of military force is not feasible,” and continued with the following assessment:
“If we are talking about imposing tariffs on countries that have economic and trade ties with Iran, then undoubtedly China will be the primary target. In fact, such a policy is not new. Trump had previously threatened to impose sanctions on China or raise tariffs. In response, China’s foreign policy has always been extremely clear. As a sovereign state, if the United States imposes unilateral tariffs, China will inevitably retaliate. Recent statements by the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also show that China is prepared for such a scenario.”
Stating that Trump’s current policy is chaotic and multidimensional, Zhu added that the United States is not only exerting pressure on Iran:
“Recent actions in Venezuela have caused concern both domestically and internationally. Trump has also expressed a desire to annex Greenland. Under these circumstances, I believe China should remain calm and respond with composure.”
Source: Sputnik