In cables released by Wikileaks, there seems to be agreement between the United States and the People’s Republic of China that the two countries both seek to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. However, the two nations remain at odds on what methods should be employed in preventing Iran from obtaining those weapons.

According to the cable, which dated from October of 2009, Chinese officials stated that they saw eye to eye on the Iran nuclear issue, that nuclear states should reduce their nuclear arsenal with the goal of eventual elimination, and that the countries should work to prevent other nations, including Iran, from developing nuclear weapons. However, China and the United States differ on how to advance such goals. Due to the history of mistrust and mutual suspicion between the United States and Iran, it has not been easy to resolve the Iran nuclear issue. The Chinese continued to urge the United States to have more patience, address Iran’s legitimate concerns, and work to identify and expand on the positive areas in the bilateral relationship.

Furthermore, the cable indicates that the Chinese believed President Obama’s policy to resolve issues through dialogue and engagement was “wise.” They further stated that while sanctions might work up to a point, they believed peaceful negotiation would achieve a more meaningful resolution. The Chinese also raised concerns that pressing too hard might risk antagonizing Iran. As such, the Chinese expressed an interest in seeing the United States resolve the issue in a “smart” manner. According to the Chinese, they would work on Iran in their own way and would urge Iran to seize opportunities to engage the United States. In essence, China and the United States had the same objective, but each country has their own role to play in achieving that objective.

The author of this blog is Erich Ferrari, an attorney specializing in OFAC litigation. If you have any questions please contact him at 202-280-6370 or ferrari@ferrari-legal.com.