Let's be real, yes Iranians do shout some rhetorics but who threatens to attack who? Israel had the plan to attack Iran at least twice which were aborted at the last minutes due to various reasons including lack of American support. That is much more serious than writing some slogans on a missile. Regarding Syria and Iraq, if we didn't send the terrorists to those countries (particularly Syria), Iranians wouldn't be there. Remeber the big project of over throwing Bashar by arming Syrian rebels (including terrorist groups)? That is what got Iran into Syria so better reflect and learn.
8
While we, the USA, were cowering and withdrawing from the world, under the guise of 'terrorism', the Chinese cornered the resources in Latin America and Africa. Just really makes me furious, that my nation is becoming less competitive, because of right wing politics.
8
Iran is just using the Chinese money. When Iran does not need China anymore it will begin a hate campaign against them.
Two Godless countries cannot get along together for very long.
Two Godless countries cannot get along together for very long.
Israel interfered with a U.S. Presidential Election, though unlike the succeeding Russians, failed to elect their chosen stooge. A proven feckless doubledealing "allie". Time to pull the plug on a once promising nation instead pivoting toward youthful Iran.
The Iranian people admiring U.S. consuming culture will given the opportunity someday overthrow the Mullahs. Better relations with Iran will enable a returning Global admiration towards the U.S. while compelling Apartheid Israel to either settle the Palestinian State issue peacefully or slither into the abyss.
The Iranian people admiring U.S. consuming culture will given the opportunity someday overthrow the Mullahs. Better relations with Iran will enable a returning Global admiration towards the U.S. while compelling Apartheid Israel to either settle the Palestinian State issue peacefully or slither into the abyss.
7
"China’s ability to realize its grandiose ambitions"?
There's a difference between 'grand' and 'grandiose' that appears to have escaped the author of this otherwise excellent piece.
There's a difference between 'grand' and 'grandiose' that appears to have escaped the author of this otherwise excellent piece.
3
A Chinese friend said not too long ago “We are all business men that is a problem.” Hard to see that as a problem unless you recall Perfect Competition’s outcomes in you Econ course – zero excess profits.
China needs the world to release that competitiveness to greater possibilities, and the World seems to welcome it. China is not exporting its ideology and other nations recognize that benefit compared with a system fond of ‘regime change,’ as America has been since 1953 for Iran.
China needs the world to release that competitiveness to greater possibilities, and the World seems to welcome it. China is not exporting its ideology and other nations recognize that benefit compared with a system fond of ‘regime change,’ as America has been since 1953 for Iran.
5
There's a disturbing level of obliviousness to China's human rights record in these comments. It would be interesting to know how many commenters have actually been to China, speak and read the language, are well versed in its culture, and know from direct experience what is happening to untold numbers of people in China right now if they speak out publicly, in however restrained and reasonable a fashion, against the unfettered authoritarianism of the ruling party. People who try to make us believe that America's human rights record is no better than China's are grotesquely deluded. The liberal, pluralist west shows all the signs of sleepwalking its way towards a global dystopia of a kind few people in that liberal, pluralist west can scarcely imagine, let alone have any experience of.
2
Randall Nadeau observed, “Western liberal democracy is not the only model for universal human rights: I will argue that Confucianism can and should be a universal ethic of human liberation. The goal of personal freedom is not uniquely Western, and it is not anti-Confucian. Self- determination is as much a Confucian value as it is a Western value, and the West has a great deal to learn from the East about self-cultivation in the context of family and community life. Embedded in the Confucian classics, as well as historically in specific Confucian institutions, is a profound idea of individual possibility, creativity, and achievement, in some ways more dynamic and integrative than Western values, which see individuals and communities in conflict and opposition”.
Read the 30 Articles of the UN Declaration of Universal Human Rights: China is ahead of the USA in 22 of them.
Read the 30 Articles of the UN Declaration of Universal Human Rights: China is ahead of the USA in 22 of them.
3
If you take a look at the world map and tracing the one-belt-one-road route on land, it starts to make sense why Turkey is allying itself with Iran lately. At least economically it makes sense, of course there're political/military calculations too with Syria and Russia in mind.
5
Mutual prosperity tends to keep more peace. So I see nothing wrong in this. The thing that baffles me in the comments section is people blaming Israel. Why? China has relations with both Israel and Iran. Trade between Israel and China is at record levels. One of the top universities in Israel - The Technion - is building a campus in China right now. Our problems with Iran go back to the fact of them throwing out the Shah which we imposed on them. Time to get over it. It's not our job to put leaders in place in other nations. Why not just follow China's lead and have good relations with both Israel and Iran...? As an old lady once taught me - "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar".
10
China also brings its police state mentality, which the Iranian Mullahs are very comfortable with. The US and Europe would 'infect' Iranian minds with a desire for a say in their governance. No such problem with China.
2
Needless to say, if/when Iran builds nuclear missles, they will not be aimed at China or it's allies.
1
American policy towards Iran is so totally off.
To more completely understand the Middle East one has to realize that while Saudi Arabians were a bunch of desert nomads only a hundred years ago, Persia (Iran) was a great and highly developed empire 2000 years ago. Oddly enough American foreign policy favors the brutal and backward kingdom of Saudi Arabia because the ruling family is more easily manipulated into selling us cheap and high quality oil. Never mind that Saudi originated and backed Sunnis have created the Taliban, ISIS and backed the 9/11 highjackers.
In Iran we deposed a democratically elected President and replaced him with the brutal Shah of Iran, enriching and empowering him at the expense of the Iranian populace. Then we label Iran, Iraq and North Korea as "Axis of Evil". We invade Iraq and hang Saddam Hussein. Surprisingly we can not understand why Iran or North Korea would want nuclear weapons.
America's military budget is equal to the next ten countries combined. We should not delude ourselves into believing that we are peace loving and a good role model for other countries. We are violent and greedy and our idea of foreign aid is "we win, you lose." When China provides foreign aid, it comes benefits both parties and is without threat of military invasion.
To more completely understand the Middle East one has to realize that while Saudi Arabians were a bunch of desert nomads only a hundred years ago, Persia (Iran) was a great and highly developed empire 2000 years ago. Oddly enough American foreign policy favors the brutal and backward kingdom of Saudi Arabia because the ruling family is more easily manipulated into selling us cheap and high quality oil. Never mind that Saudi originated and backed Sunnis have created the Taliban, ISIS and backed the 9/11 highjackers.
In Iran we deposed a democratically elected President and replaced him with the brutal Shah of Iran, enriching and empowering him at the expense of the Iranian populace. Then we label Iran, Iraq and North Korea as "Axis of Evil". We invade Iraq and hang Saddam Hussein. Surprisingly we can not understand why Iran or North Korea would want nuclear weapons.
America's military budget is equal to the next ten countries combined. We should not delude ourselves into believing that we are peace loving and a good role model for other countries. We are violent and greedy and our idea of foreign aid is "we win, you lose." When China provides foreign aid, it comes benefits both parties and is without threat of military invasion.
15
You left off that we aided Saddam Hussein in his brutal war with Iran (because we were mad about the Shah)...
6
However, there a soft form of neo-colonialism.
1
I myself have worked for a Chinese employer and found it a very positive experience. They are hard working and fair.
America needs to be aware of this. They will be Americas greatest competitor.
America needs to be aware of this. They will be Americas greatest competitor.
10
Historically, Persia and its Central Asian brethren (especially the Sogdians) were the biggest beneficiary of the Silk Road as the middlemen between China and Rome. They lost their importance when the Europeans discovered direct sea routes to Asia. If China can successfully modernize the Silk Road to compete with ocean trade, Iran and other Central Asian countries, which had been relegated to backwater status, will again be the biggest beneficiaries.
4
Actually - China is not just building land links. They learned from their past mistakes. It was when they turned away from their naval trade in the 1400's they lost clout. This "one belt one road" has a large maritime component. They are building ports in several countries along the Indian Ocean. Both in Asia and Africa
5
U.S. Along with the British destroyed a vibrant Iran--no need to delve further into Operation Ajax. Iran-China business based alliance just another byproduct of Imperialism. While China keeps closing off the late 19th Century-20th Century "Open Door".
3
The political leadership in Beijing is using the same (successfully) play book developed by England in the 19th century/US in the 20th century to become global military-economic powers.
The only difference, this time. is how fast Beijing's economic expansion and political influence will take place overseas. It will depend on, fundamentally, on how fast or how slow the American decline continues to take place.
Clearly, the Asian economic sphere is already under China's integration regional-global scenario.
One thing for sure. The center of global economic dynamics/ growth has been displaced from the North Atlantic area to the China/Pacific region.
The question left to Western powers is how to better manage the economic/social decline.
Making America Great Again is just an empty/rustic political slogan for gullible domestic voters.
The only difference, this time. is how fast Beijing's economic expansion and political influence will take place overseas. It will depend on, fundamentally, on how fast or how slow the American decline continues to take place.
Clearly, the Asian economic sphere is already under China's integration regional-global scenario.
One thing for sure. The center of global economic dynamics/ growth has been displaced from the North Atlantic area to the China/Pacific region.
The question left to Western powers is how to better manage the economic/social decline.
Making America Great Again is just an empty/rustic political slogan for gullible domestic voters.
8
All true but it will be played out against the World’s Massive Military Power and a child like foreign policy of which side are you on. Can America salvage its mythical values of tolerance and inclusiveness as it learns it is not alone at the top? Let’s hope so; scare times.
2
Sad to see the US cede power in the world to more competent players. We can only bicker among ourselves while the rest of the world moves on. As one commenter pointed out, we can't even get the trains upgraded, let alone the subways. Obviously our days of greatness were in the past. Trump has a good slogan. But can he make good on it?
2
Neither Trump, nor any president, nor any state governor, nor any mayor can make good on infrastructure projects in America. Too much politics is at play. Meanwhile, the trains, subways, roads and bridges deteriorate at an alarming rate, and the finger-pointing games continue. Not forgetting to mention those who suffer death, serious injury, maiming and hospitalization from the collective inaction of the elected "leaders".
4
Iran is indeed half-way to many places, but it is not a centre of anything (yet). I find it is totally unrealistic to export goods from Iran to Europe or even to PRC via railways. Much advertised PRC-funded railway services linking Europe to PRC etc. are being heavily subsidised (by China's local governments which are held accountable to using these railways) and while the volume of merchandise moving either way is rising, it is microscopic in size compared with lower cost container shipping.
2
The Chinese know that so the high value products go by rail. the others by sea. Works well enough for electronics. There they cut the costs by modernizing the port facilities to the vantage of all.
3
China's leaders, having studied how Japan and South Korea got so rich, have probably come to understand something fundamental about the United States and its people: Many of them (us) are reflexively, irrationally opposed to anything resembling a government-run, civilian-sector industrial policy. America has a government-run industrial policy, of course; it's called the military. But obviously that will only take you so far, and it may actually lead to some serious blowback (i.e. selling bombs and missiles to the crazed, fanatical Wahhabis of Saudi Arabia).
This is a fatal flaw of the United States, and I don't see how it will be overcome. Opposition to a civilian-sector industrial policy is deeply embedded in the USA. Just listen to Jeb Bush object and complain the moment that guy hears about creating high-speed rail in Florida. If the 1930s era railway tracks between Boston and New York can't get replaced while China is on its way to connecting Urumqi and Tehran then it's just game over.
This is a fatal flaw of the United States, and I don't see how it will be overcome. Opposition to a civilian-sector industrial policy is deeply embedded in the USA. Just listen to Jeb Bush object and complain the moment that guy hears about creating high-speed rail in Florida. If the 1930s era railway tracks between Boston and New York can't get replaced while China is on its way to connecting Urumqi and Tehran then it's just game over.
13
Jeff Bush is old hat as it were, Sheldon Wolin in his work Politics and Vision make the point that ‘the “wiring of the world” is merely an expression of postmodern “globalization” and an indication that another domain, “foreign affairs”— theoretically the preserve of the state— is now an open partnership with business corporations.” He sees corporations in charge, government as subservient. A China upside down model; Trump seems to understand better than many where we are for better or worse?
Can we convince the Chinese that the NYC subway system would constitute an integral or even necessary component of its "One Belt, One Road" system? That may be the only way forward for the MTA and for NY's fed-up commuters.
12
Then why are you still here Stu? Wouldn't you be happier in--oh say -- Tehran?
Sorry but you are on the wrong coast.
Road-Belt does see a tunnel under the Bearing Sea to connect Asia and Alaska-Canada to the project. But they can be hired as they were in San Francisco Bay area to redo the Bay bridge for a fee.
Road-Belt does see a tunnel under the Bearing Sea to connect Asia and Alaska-Canada to the project. But they can be hired as they were in San Francisco Bay area to redo the Bay bridge for a fee.
The most important sentence in this article is “The Chinese plan is designed in such a way that it will establish Chinese hegemony across half of the world,” Mr. Fakhrieh-Kashan said.
Mainstream cable news media has spent roughly half its news time in the last six months on Russia, and, although that story IS important, what Russia is doing is not nearly as threatening to the future ability of America to provides freedom to our citizens as what China is doing. According to Michael Pillsbury, the Director of the Center on Chinese Strategy, at the Hudson Institute, China has a 70 year old plan to dominate earth by 2047 -- and they are on track to do so. Democracy is not part of that plan.
Wake up, America. China is a much bigger threat than Russia.
Mainstream cable news media has spent roughly half its news time in the last six months on Russia, and, although that story IS important, what Russia is doing is not nearly as threatening to the future ability of America to provides freedom to our citizens as what China is doing. According to Michael Pillsbury, the Director of the Center on Chinese Strategy, at the Hudson Institute, China has a 70 year old plan to dominate earth by 2047 -- and they are on track to do so. Democracy is not part of that plan.
Wake up, America. China is a much bigger threat than Russia.
9
Hon,
Other people getting stronger doesn't make us weaker. Other people getting wealthier, healthier and better educated doesn't hurt us any.
Other people getting stronger doesn't make us weaker. Other people getting wealthier, healthier and better educated doesn't hurt us any.
6
The irony of your argument is the man quoting it was seemingly in favor of it. What does that tell you? Not everyone prefers US influence which to them means war and more war. The Chinese are there doing business rather than giving orders. You are right - we do need to wake up - but not because of a "threat"
6
While the US builds weapons of war so unspeakable that they can never be used, China , Iran and all points east and west have embarked on a vision of a true new world order based on trade.
16
the coalition of the not so willing witnessed it first hand and they've signed on to become charter members of AIIB.
This is why the Chinese went along with nuclear sanctions, back when oil was $100/barrel. Then they bought oil from Iran for a discount. The problem with sanctions is that we set an impossibly high bar for their removal, rather than just admitting that they don't work(Cuba comes to mind). The sanctions just end up hurting the U.S. and not accomplishing the goal. Cuba would be another Miami and the Castro's would be a memory of we had just abandoned the Embargo in the 80s when the eastern block disintegrated. Look at Vietnam. We didn't lift that embargo until 2000. The communists are still in power, but just barely, and the human rights situation is much better than Cuba.
7
Cuba was unilateral sanctions. Not comparable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nominal)_per_capita
According to Wikipedia,in 2016 Cuba ranked 68th in Human Development Index(HDI), higher than China(90th) and Vietnam is the 115th;
Cuba's GDP per capita is $7,657 the 80th among UN surveyed countries, while China's is $8,109 the 77th and Vietnam's is the 139th($2,068).
So I would say even with America's embargoes and sanctions, Cuba did a better job than Vietnam, just imagine what would Cuba be if she could go deep into global trading and open up her economy like China did before.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nominal)_per_capita
According to Wikipedia,in 2016 Cuba ranked 68th in Human Development Index(HDI), higher than China(90th) and Vietnam is the 115th;
Cuba's GDP per capita is $7,657 the 80th among UN surveyed countries, while China's is $8,109 the 77th and Vietnam's is the 139th($2,068).
So I would say even with America's embargoes and sanctions, Cuba did a better job than Vietnam, just imagine what would Cuba be if she could go deep into global trading and open up her economy like China did before.
More power to 'em! I've been a student of US foreign policy since the Korean War. Unfortunately we didn't learn much from that war and its been downhill most of the way since. Today we have a president, congress and electorate (or not) busy playing a blame game on "Why isn't America great any more?" It's amazing how everybody admits it's so but nobody will stand up and accept the responsibility, let alone the blame, for it. The fact is simple: it is all our fault. I want to go on record as writing that now because in another fifty or sixty years I'm sure the president, congress and electorate will be doing the same thing, only in the past tense: finding somebody else to blame for the fact that the US has become (by then) a third-world power. History will record, I suspect, that the Chinese out-smarted us and, more importantly, out-worked us. And the more people whine and complain about what I've said the more correct I'll know I am.
11
Well I think it's a little overboard to say the US will become 3rd world in 50 years. England and Spain are still 1st world countries- even though they have nowhere near the same power they used to. But for many it seems that thought is unbearable
The NY Times denigrates Iran almost as much as it does Russia. When we ultimately invade them -- and we will -- it will satisfy and enrich a plethora of powerful interests in this country who've wanted to launch a war against them for decades, across administrations Republican and Democratic both.
We have truly lost our way.
We have truly lost our way.
7
Ask twenty starry eyed Times Square gullible tourists if their familiar with Operation Ajax. Guarantee along with blank stares some will guess household cleaning solution. Our govt relishes an "ignorance is strength" populace
3
Based upon my admittedly limited knowledge of having lived in Iran, i can tell you that we lose nothing by having as little to do with it as possible.
1
US keeps on towing the Israeli line in foreign policy, they are being duped by the Israelis, who when beneficial will develop relations with any country that benefits them. This includes China and Russia, in the long game US will be the loser.
15
Trade between Israel and China has been growing by leaps and bounds though. So how is Israel really the problem? Maybe it's just "us".
10
Yes, Andre. You are correct. I have been living in China for the past 20 years and am a witness to this. One can only marvel at the impressive trade, mergers and acquisitions, and investments between these two great and ancient cultures. Each side senses the immense opportunities and benefits each has to to offer the other.
3
Why is it that bloggers can't resist taking cheap shots at Israel when the main topic of this article involves Iranian/Chinese trade relations?
6
Because it is Israel that keeps trying to push the US to go to war/ sanctions/ likely covert terrorism against Iran.
Have you seen Netanyahu's tantrum at the UN? Israel is the problem; the main reason why the USA can't normalize relations.
Have you seen Netanyahu's tantrum at the UN? Israel is the problem; the main reason why the USA can't normalize relations.
6
When will I learn? The real reason everyone hates Israel and the Jews is that we're still here. Americans also have long memories and it's hard to forget the 1979 hostage crisis. It's hard to shake those cringe worthy images of American diplomats paraded through the streets of Tehran like prisoners of war by Iranian militants who were simultaneously burning American flags. They were only doing it because the TV cameras were rolling and the whole world is watching. And Israel is the problem? There is no way Netanyahu can compete with a nation run by crazy ayatollahs.
While China conquers the world without firing a shot, this is how our petty politicians spend their time.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/nassau-county-executive-attempts-to-sever-s...
http://www.timesofisrael.com/nassau-county-executive-attempts-to-sever-s...
6
The U.S. Congress might as well be the Israeli Congress of the United States.
6
The Chinese are smart where we are the most stupid. We should have long ago forged ties with Iran, the only sane player with any power in the Middle East.
17
And has democratic election.
2
Excuse me, "Truth is Out there" - who has democratic elections?
And the money they got to be able to pull this off is from globalists who sold the US and the western order with it down the drain.
3
NY Times is home to hundreds of thousands of fake liberals who hate the West so much that they prefer Iran over Israel, accept Iran's threats to destroy America (never revoked or renounced--repeated at EVERY national holiday in their millions), accept Iranian Holocaust denial conferences, etc. All these fake liberals care about is that Iran is sticking it to the proverbial man (that would be the entire West and Western values and Western freedoms).
60% of Iranians hate the regime, resent its cosseting by Western useful idiots, and seek its overthrow. Many Iranians are so despondent over their plight that they have turned to heroin and carry sexual diseases at rates unprecedented anywhere. Their optimism is so eradicated that their birth rate and religiosity have plummeted at a pace and to a degree never seen anywhere.
Meanwhile, the NY Times can scarcely contain its love-fest with Iran and its leadership, writing softball stories on various politicians and diplomats and leading fawning tours of the country, again, with no parallel anywhere.
I fear that liberalism, true liberalism, humanitarian liberalism comprise values from which the Progressive Left has become so estranged as to willfully ignorant of the truth, lest their hypocrisy and callousness be exposed to light of day.
60% of Iranians hate the regime, resent its cosseting by Western useful idiots, and seek its overthrow. Many Iranians are so despondent over their plight that they have turned to heroin and carry sexual diseases at rates unprecedented anywhere. Their optimism is so eradicated that their birth rate and religiosity have plummeted at a pace and to a degree never seen anywhere.
Meanwhile, the NY Times can scarcely contain its love-fest with Iran and its leadership, writing softball stories on various politicians and diplomats and leading fawning tours of the country, again, with no parallel anywhere.
I fear that liberalism, true liberalism, humanitarian liberalism comprise values from which the Progressive Left has become so estranged as to willfully ignorant of the truth, lest their hypocrisy and callousness be exposed to light of day.
2
Do you realize the revolution happened in Iran because "we" put up a puppet dictator called te Shah who most people hated..? Same as what happened with propping up Bautista in Cuba. That brought about Fidel Castro (who initially sought out help)... Maybe Chinese foreign policy has gotte smart and we haven't.
12
Sorry pal but you sound a bit unhinged. New York Times readers ar perfectly capable of thinking for themselves
1
Regimes mirroring Apartheid South Africa deserve Global contempt. Someday US policy regarding Israel will catch up with civilized society.
1
China foolishly plans to expand its position in the world through international investments and massive business and economic growth not understanding that America with the planet's most powerful military which invades and destroys nations on a whim, scatters sanctions like salt, and sees enemies everywhere can blow it all apart in no time.
Fortunately for the Chinese, American society is presently preoccupied with suicidal mass hysteria but how long can that last? Really, I mean.
Fortunately for the Chinese, American society is presently preoccupied with suicidal mass hysteria but how long can that last? Really, I mean.
9
"Business ties between Iran and China have been growing since the United States and its European allies at the time started pressuring Iran over its nuclear program around 2007."
So, essentially China was Iran's greatest enabler in its pursuit of nuclear weapons and its support of various globally-recognized terrorist groups.
Republicans are dead set against Obama's nuclear deal with Iran but simultaneously dead set against doing anything to impinge on our current "free" trade with China!
Just one example of many glaring GOP hypocrisies.
So, essentially China was Iran's greatest enabler in its pursuit of nuclear weapons and its support of various globally-recognized terrorist groups.
Republicans are dead set against Obama's nuclear deal with Iran but simultaneously dead set against doing anything to impinge on our current "free" trade with China!
Just one example of many glaring GOP hypocrisies.
3
China 'plays' by different standards. The Trans-Pacific Partnership would have created a level playing field of reasonable business standards, but the US politicians in both major parties killed it for short term vote gain. In doing this they allowed China to set the rules to a low common denominator that hurts workers, environmental protection and many other standards that ensure a better future. The USA as a result will be much worse off in the long run.
4
They killed it because voters, who had been promised the same things when China was allowed into the WTO, felt they couldn't trust any new deals.
I share your sense of irony that TPP, by design, exclude China but you can't blame average folks for not knowing that.
I share your sense of irony that TPP, by design, exclude China but you can't blame average folks for not knowing that.
1
You are correct, Hal. The TPP was part of a long game to curb Chinese economic hegemony in the Pacific and beyond. Because Obama proposed it, the GOP despised it. Dems did not take the time to understand the issues or back the treaty with a sensible and rational campaign of support.
You know, it's just all too complicated for the diminished public discourse we have today. Anyone who doesn't believe the 21st century belongs to China just hasn't been paying attention.
You know, it's just all too complicated for the diminished public discourse we have today. Anyone who doesn't believe the 21st century belongs to China just hasn't been paying attention.
China's "One Road One Belt" project is visionary and connotes a type of big idea leadership that seems scarce among Western powers these days. And we will see more from the Middle Kingdom. For as much as some in the West have predicted for the last some 25 years or more "the coming collapse of China" -- "Any day now -- really." The country is not going away. The reality is after about 150 years of internal turmoil China is coming back and retaking the position it held as a major global power for 1800 of the last 2000 years. Fortunately, the Chinese seem intent on foregoing the US super power model of hundreds of military based spread about the world and instead will focus their energies on leading technologies and developing mutually beneficial commercial and trade relationships all while raising the standard of living of their own people -- who according to PEW research are very happy with the direction their government is taken. It would be great if the US would follow a similar approach or at least for a decade or so forgo it's repetillian urge for conflict and just focus on building up its infrastructure and focusing on its people not the crazed militarism that has characterized the past 25 years. That would be a terrific outcome for both the US and the rest of the World. They both need a break from all these senseless wars.
20
Riddle me this joker: if China is doing so well why is the usa inundated with so many of their citizens attempting to reside here legally and illegally.
They seem very Swiss in this respect.
They seem very Swiss in this respect.
3
Simple. Rich Chinese are better "protected" here. Much easier to avoid taxes.
6
did you miss the nyt article about the uber rich gave up their u.s. citizenship and reside else where?
2
China is reviving the "SLICK" [sic] Road while trump burns down washington.
2
We want to bomb Iran to destroy their infrastructure and China is building up their infrastructure? Seems to me China is the more responsible adult here.
12
Good for Iran and smart investing by the Chinese!
11
While we have been freezing Iranian capital, accusing it of almost having a bomb they deny wanting and agree to our inspecting them to prove it we have let the North Koreans make and test A bombs, make and test ICBMs for delivering them, not worrying about Japan which we have forbidden to militarize for its own protection, even though North Korea is less far away from the US than Iran. Has anyone in our congress openly raised questions about this, and if so who. If not, why not many?
4
I thought we installed missile shield in Poland to protect the poles from Iranian missiles.
The recent Charlie Rose interviews with Javad Zarif are worth watching.
JAVAD ZARIF, PT. 1
https://charlierose.com/videos/30767
JAVAD ZARIF, PT. 2
https://charlierose.com/videos/30775
JAVAD ZARIF, PT. 1
https://charlierose.com/videos/30767
JAVAD ZARIF, PT. 2
https://charlierose.com/videos/30775
4
China and Iran are natural friends! We are both heirs to great civilizations spanning many millennia. Iranians are obviously proud of their achievements during the Achaemenid Empire, Seleucid Empire, Parthian Empire, and as part of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates; just as we are proud of our achievements under the Han, Tang, Song, Ming and Qing Dynasties. The ancient Silk road linked our civilizations. During the Tang era, China was a multicultural empire. Traders from all over the Middle East congregated on China, and mosques from this period can still be found in the former imperial capital Xi'an.
In the modern era, Iran prosper once again by being the crossroads of civilizations. Iran is strategically located at the center of important Eurasian trade routes linking Europe/Arabia with China/India. I see a bright future for Sino-Iranian relations, as we unite to strengthen our economies, and push back against those who intend to hold us back. The next step towards realizing One Belt One Road and pan-Asian economic integration is to admit Iran to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), to ensure Iran's security from outside invasion is guaranteed from China and Russia. Eurasians will be masters of our own house.
In the modern era, Iran prosper once again by being the crossroads of civilizations. Iran is strategically located at the center of important Eurasian trade routes linking Europe/Arabia with China/India. I see a bright future for Sino-Iranian relations, as we unite to strengthen our economies, and push back against those who intend to hold us back. The next step towards realizing One Belt One Road and pan-Asian economic integration is to admit Iran to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), to ensure Iran's security from outside invasion is guaranteed from China and Russia. Eurasians will be masters of our own house.
11
Thank you to bringing clarity and historical perspective to your analysis.
4
Good for Iran. It's nice to see that China is not on board with the demonization of Iran as pushed by Israel. Hopefully the US can eventually stand up to the cabal and finally normalize relations with Iran at some point.
17
China, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and northern India are part of an ancient trade and cultural network and the ties have never been completely broken. Iran, to the surprise of many Americans, is a modern and technologically sophisticated country, heavily populated, economically robust, highly educated. China itself has moved forward by leaps and bounds. Her infrastructure from electricity to railways to airports to local rapid transit is now second to none. Unlike the Americas, in much of China you can travel at 400 km (250 miles) per hour on silent, smooth, comfortable high speed trains, or depart from and arrive at (on time) ultra-modern, clean, efficient airports. Once peace is restored in Afghanistan, expect this entire massive region from Beijing to Karachi and New Delhi to be an integrated, highly sophisticated, trade and production zone. By 2025, the world will be quite a different place.
10
A discrepancy here: $1 trillion project, but only $1.8 billion to build high speed rail across Iran. And time to Iran cut by 18 days using slow trains. Another startling statistic here (Nature): Scientists in China had 477 peer reviewed articles published in 2000; last year they had 41,000 published. Meanwhile our government is fighting science, especially the science of climate change, and attempting to restrict public education, rather than expanding it. Strategic thinking of Neanderthals.
8
Two giant piggy banks ripe for taking over by the International Mafia Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical religion Good Old Boys Cartel.
China and Iran house many of these common crooks but their home bases are in London/New York and other "market" havens.
Time for average people in the world to put them out of business.
China and Iran house many of these common crooks but their home bases are in London/New York and other "market" havens.
Time for average people in the world to put them out of business.
4
"Time for average people in the world to put them out of business."
too late now.
too late now.
1
So China currently produces 8 million new engineering graduates a year, ten time more than what it produced 20 years ago; it sends its engineers and business elite to the Middle East to create something as grand as a modern economic transportation hub between the East and the West to expand its economic ties across Asia and Europe; and that is one of the ways with which it is projected to grow its economy to surpass ours in scale. I am glad to live in a country in which we can criticize the government without going to jail; I only wonder if anything we have the right to say will bring into power people as focused on real issues of expanding economy with genuine long terms views & commitment as those who run China. Think about it: what are the chances that someone like Trump would ever be President of China?
6
It is practically criminal negligence that we are failing to develop closer economic cultural and political ties with this modern, pro-western nation. Heir to one of the world's greatest civilization, the Persians are also hereditary enemies of jihadist Muslims. We have been wrong-footing with them ever since the middle 50s, when we invaded and overthrew their government. Time to straighten things out.
29
Why is China building infrastructure when Trump is not?
12
Except for its insatiable demand and spending on the military and weapons, the US has fallen behind other developed countries in every other aspects critical to the well being of its citizens from infrastructure, manufacturing, job creation, K-12 education to even health care. While the US is isolating itself and pulling out of international trade deals and engagement, the world is forging ahead. While American infrastructure is falling apart, politicians in Washington are arguing about funding and costs. While working Americans are in deep anxiety about health care, politicians in Washington care more about ideological purity and political optic. While working Americans struggle everyday to survive, politicians at all levels are busy with divisive issues such as abortion. The country is being ruined from within.
13
Falling behind is not the point. We must make the world safe for Israel, no matter the cost. It's the right thing to do.
1
The Chinese clearly need to be punished, Iran is a major threat to Israel.
4
And just exactly how would you "punish" China?
2
It makes sense to punish 1.3 billion people to protect 6 million people.
3
Volunteering?
1
Attention America, it's not 1950 anymore, it's 2050. Right now. If the United States collectively has any desire to at least preserve what diminishing relevance it has in today's world, it absolutely must re-calibrate. It's time to sit down with both Koreas, China, Japan, and Russia, and resolve the Korean issue permanently. It's time to sit down with the Israelis and the Orthodox interests who manhandle their government that the US can no longer play the role of sugar daddy and eternal white knight. It's time to re-invent our relationships with Canada, Mexico and the peoples of South America to forge a new reality and collective role for the Western Hemisphere in the 21st century. It's time to also re-invent our relationships with the EU, and with Russia, lest we yield all of these in a rapidly changing world to a rapidly expanding and increasingly powerful China. It's 2050. Right now.
13
While the USA got involved in Iraq thanks to George HW Bush & his son, China (it's the Economy Stupid) decided to start planning for the future. The USA gave the Chinese a pass while it got bogged down in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia... (wasting 4 to 5 Trillion Dollars). The USA's foreign policy in the Middle East has done the USA more harm than good.
The NYT is obsessed with Russia. If the USA had taken Russia's advice (specifically Putin's Advice) to not get involved in wars in Iraq & Afghanistan, the USA would be a lot better off today than it is. Russia has given the USA better advice than her allies have given her.
The NYT is obsessed with Russia. If the USA had taken Russia's advice (specifically Putin's Advice) to not get involved in wars in Iraq & Afghanistan, the USA would be a lot better off today than it is. Russia has given the USA better advice than her allies have given her.
4
"Russia has given the USA better advice than her allies have given her."
Well the French and the Germans did give good advice not to invade Iraq.
Well the French and the Germans did give good advice not to invade Iraq.
17
Margret Thatcher told Papa Bush to go in and Israel desperately wanted the USA to attack & invade.
2
Another case of the world passing the US and its companies by.
China (not just its govt. but its businesses also) have vision. They take steps to bring that vision to fruition.
They have the brains to see that economics are the ultimate driver. And they are creating economics that benefit not just them, but all around them.
Meanwhile the dunces in our nation's capital, spin their wheels contemplating what additional sanctions or complaint and insult to heap upon Iran.
Are we "different?" Hell yes. It's not just our school children who lag the Chinese. It's our government and business. I knew I should have taken Chinese.
China (not just its govt. but its businesses also) have vision. They take steps to bring that vision to fruition.
They have the brains to see that economics are the ultimate driver. And they are creating economics that benefit not just them, but all around them.
Meanwhile the dunces in our nation's capital, spin their wheels contemplating what additional sanctions or complaint and insult to heap upon Iran.
Are we "different?" Hell yes. It's not just our school children who lag the Chinese. It's our government and business. I knew I should have taken Chinese.
18
AJ - Never too late to learn the language. Just set your mind to it.
1
Sanctions have never presented more than an inconvenience to Iran. Trump likely participated in laundering money in Baku to the benefit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
Russia is the sole beneficiary. Of any possible wide war in the Middle East only Russia\Putin benefit.
Russia is the sole beneficiary. Of any possible wide war in the Middle East only Russia\Putin benefit.
4
china is remaking the world in its image while trump tweets about his hand size
20
If Congress finds out, they could place sanctions on these paper recyclers. I once read an article from the Defense of Democracy group that paper could be used to light up the fuses on the ballistic missiles.
7
Instead of winning friends by establishing partnerships we are creating enemies with sanctions and threats. Fear of the US is probably a good reason to want nuclear weapons.
12
The US needs to wake up from its embrace of the Wahabi fundamentalists in the ME and try to confront the Chinese communist and dictatorial dragon before it is too late. The US is the only power in the world which can do it.
1
Iran and the recent obfuscated sanctions against it by our stupefyingly dense congress exemplify the non-practical emotional state of our foreign policy.
Confused, ignorant ideological buffoons aided by threats and rewards from the Israeli lobby, holding fort over this nonsensical policy against Iran.
Most Americans think of Iran as an adversary based solely on the Iran hostage crisis from Carter's time. Most of them are clueless and have been kept willfully ignorant by the media as to the basis for that episode, which is that the US deposed a democratically elected liberal President as part fo a colonial project.
Apart from that, as meritless even that singular episode is, there is absolutely no reason for the US to be antagonistic towards Iran. Aside from Israelu lobbying of our Congress that is.
The rest of the world is busy doing business with Iran and a weakened US under Trump (and indeed under Obama) has no clout to stop that.
Both China and Russia are bullying the US at every opportunity with no retaliation outside of toothless sanctions. And the rest of our allies are charting their own paths thanks to Trump's 'America First' nonsense.
The most corrosive alliance that we have in the world is with Israel. Period.
Confused, ignorant ideological buffoons aided by threats and rewards from the Israeli lobby, holding fort over this nonsensical policy against Iran.
Most Americans think of Iran as an adversary based solely on the Iran hostage crisis from Carter's time. Most of them are clueless and have been kept willfully ignorant by the media as to the basis for that episode, which is that the US deposed a democratically elected liberal President as part fo a colonial project.
Apart from that, as meritless even that singular episode is, there is absolutely no reason for the US to be antagonistic towards Iran. Aside from Israelu lobbying of our Congress that is.
The rest of the world is busy doing business with Iran and a weakened US under Trump (and indeed under Obama) has no clout to stop that.
Both China and Russia are bullying the US at every opportunity with no retaliation outside of toothless sanctions. And the rest of our allies are charting their own paths thanks to Trump's 'America First' nonsense.
The most corrosive alliance that we have in the world is with Israel. Period.
35
please explain how china and Russia bully the mighty usa.
2
Now that Turkey is in a mess, time for Iran to fish in troubled waters... but, hey, get ready for the US attempts to destroy both China's and Iran's aspirations. Don't be surprised if soon you'll hear that Iran is not complying with most recent nuclear agreement.
8
Fortunately, the IAEA is the only world body that gets to decide on matters of Iranian compliance with the JCPOA.
1
hans blix of iaea needed another day or two to complete his inspection in Iraq. but bush admin ordered hans blix and his team to leave Iraq within x hours. and the rest is history.
wasn't india under sanction? wasn't Pakistan under sanction?
iaea is a world body when we want it to.
wasn't india under sanction? wasn't Pakistan under sanction?
iaea is a world body when we want it to.
2
This is how the US' power and influence will collapse inward. China has long experience in building high speed railroads--the US has none. Israel makes US foreign policy, so we would have no chance to profit from investments in Iran, instead we sanction one of the world's richest and fastest-growing markets. Blame the Republicans, who are useful-idiots of the Israelis.
76
Russia seems to be dictating US policy every bit as much as Israel.
3
Both political parties worship AIPAC.
15
Exactly how?
Chinese are doing the same in Pakistan. In case
Afghanistan is stabilized, Chinese investment will
also grow there. Ultimately most of Asia with the
exception of Japan and India will be under Chinese
dominance with the link of economies through investment
and trade. Our money is going into military build up. We are
not even investing in our own infrastructure let alone
other countries'.
Afghanistan is stabilized, Chinese investment will
also grow there. Ultimately most of Asia with the
exception of Japan and India will be under Chinese
dominance with the link of economies through investment
and trade. Our money is going into military build up. We are
not even investing in our own infrastructure let alone
other countries'.
40
"China is also an important market for Iranian oil, and because of remaining unilateral American sanctions that intimidate global banks, it is the only source of the large amounts of capital Iran needs to finance critical infrastructure projects. "
US policy on Iran is hostage to Israeli whims and the result is a crucial country is aligned with China instead of US. The amount of economic damage to US due our wrongheaded policies is immeasurable.
US policy on Iran is hostage to Israeli whims and the result is a crucial country is aligned with China instead of US. The amount of economic damage to US due our wrongheaded policies is immeasurable.
50
Israel's 'whims' and Putin's strategy for higher oil prices if OPEC is embroiled in a ME war.
The Chinese are investing in infrastructure around the globe and developing new technologies. Here, we're talking about resurrecting coal mining jobs and closing borders, and we can't agree on modernizing a national infrastructure that was once the wonder of the world. All of the anti-government and anti-tax ranting and rhetoric peddled by Republicans for a generation has made it nearly impossible for weak-kneed Democrats or anyone else to speak about the public good. the price tag for maintaining it in the short term, and the benefits that will accrue to rich and poor in the long term.
59
Both parties are in the pocket of our oligarchs who have looted the country, paid petty cash to buy politicians too eager to help them loot further, instead of investing in the future of over 320 million Americans.
16
We see why sanctions don't work against Iran. it's the same reason they don't work against North Korea. China.
11
Normal people see no reason for sanctions. Good that they don't work.
4
Chinese are forging ahead while America is pulling back under Trump who has a tunnel vision
34
The key to reversing this slow moving disaster is the 2018 election. What is needed is a thorough redo in the House of Representatives and in every available Senate seat. We need people in these chairs who will work together, create bipartisan legislation, and do what needs to be done to advance the success of this nation at home and abroad without creating more military engagement to drain our resources.
4
When it comes to Iran relations, corrupt Congress is a much bigger problem than the more pragmatic Trump.
6
Come on. I'm no fan of Trump - but all this is 50 years in the making. China started this new Iran collaboration back during Bush and accelerated it during Obama. It has zero to do with Trump. But that's the problem. China looks generationally while we look only to election cycles.
1
Is India once political ally of Tehran losing the grip. Does current Indian government decision not to attend inauguration of one route link of China is a mistake. In the current world of geo-political significance it's always important to be a player and negotiator. While India had war with China earlier and still had border rift which is now currently escalated, will it be wise to be economic partner and remove those hurdles. Only time will decide. One thing is for sure Tehran is playing to its geo-political advantage. If Tehran can demonstrate economic growth and less nationalist rhetoric in the region it can get along with western world. That way it can get best of both worlds.
4
So, the Chinese step up and take over. Here's another reason why they won't do anything about North Korea, so the West will continue to be tied up in these other conflicts, with a "dealer-in-chief" who can't propose a deal, let alone close one.
25
It is good to know that Iran is not completely isolated by the U.S. and its satellites. Even if it is Capitalist China the one partnering with Iran, the self-appointed owner of the world can no longer submit all countries to its control.
15
It's not the US that is the driving force behind this isolation of Iran. It is Israel that sets the policy.
5
And the Israel-firsters in Congress play right along while Trump dances with the Saudis.
3
A map accompanying this article would be helpful!
And meanwhile, back in the USA, infrastructure rots while we fight over public bathrooms...
And meanwhile, back in the USA, infrastructure rots while we fight over public bathrooms...
88
and spend 13 billion dollars on the new aircraft carrier, USS Gerald Ford
6
I'm also wondering what the Iranian vassal states think about this. Will Lebanon, under Hezbollah's thumb, be included in the game since Iran owns Hezbollah? What about Syria, run by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, or Iraq, currently under Iran's thumb? I see nothing in the Silk Road project to temper Iran's colonial ambitions and I doubt that the Chinese care.