China and the Iranian Nuclear Crisis

China has joined the US, Britain, France, Germany and the EU in deciding the time has come to report Iran’s pursuit of nuclear power to the UN Security Council. Despite joining the unified front, China has expressed less anxiety over Iran’s actions and continues to press, along with Russia, for a diplomatic solution to the standoff. China depends on Iranian oil and political ties, and hesitates about setting any precedent on intervention, both with other energy partners and the West. China could abstain or vote for the sanctions, author Jing dong-Yuan identifies five major factors that will come into play for China and reveal its “diplomatic aplomb.” For China, the Iranian issue is a test of its skill as an emerging global power. – YaleGlobal