Ardy Nugraha
[This essay is made for July Writing Challenge of Research and Development Division in ISAFIS]
On July 2015, the representative of the United States, China, Russia, France, the United Kingdom and Germany, or commonly known as P5+1, altogether with Iran, gathered and assembled in the capital of Austria, Vienna to discuss the framework agreement that was agreed on April 2015 for final agreement. After 19 consecutive days of intensive talks, on 14 July 2015, a conclusive nuclear agreement that is called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed.In principle, within this agreement Iran agreed to reduces significantly its uranium-enriching projects and allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to have regular access to all Iran’s nuclear facilities to ensure its harmless purpose and avoid Iran’s continued illicit nuclear activities. In return, this agreement will most likely end Iran’s international isolation by lifting the sanctions imposed by the United States, United Nations and some Western governments since 1979. The lifting of sanctions means reducing the barriers for commercial activities with Iran.
The long-expected outcome of the negotiation talk is perceived to be acceptable for all the stakeholders involved in the talk. However, facts might beg to differ. Although, all nations seem to have enjoyed the result, one particular nation benefits the most from this nuclear deal –China that is.China has strong ties with Iran; diplomatically, economically, and in trade and energy.This will undoubtedly be beneficial to China, as they see Iran as their main source for oil and gas, and China is Iran’s biggest oil importer. However, not only on trading, the lifting of the sanctions of Iran will pave the way for China’s advancement in geopolitical sector, as Beijing has been putting effort into the realization of the 21stcentury Chinese Silk Road, an initiative to connect and accelerate Chinese trading activity to the West through land and sea.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), China was Iran’s biggest trading partner, with a combined trading activity reached up to €30 billion. Now that the sanction has been lifted, China will have more access to Iran and the trading will be expected to increase significantly, specifically in energy sector.
Not only China’s relation with Iran that will go towards betterment, but also Sino-U.S. relationship will head for a positive improvement. Apart from recent controversy regarding the cyber security and the U.S. involvement in disputed area of South China Sea, during the negotiation, both China and the U.S. played such important role in coming the same agreement. In addition, during the process, both countries have maintained a close and good relationship and strive to keep being in good terms.
In conclusion, the result of the Iran nuclear deal is considered one step forward towards international security in non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. There is no country emerging as the clear winner or loser, each countries involved in the talk has successfully worked and found the common ground. Nonetheless, with the lifting of the sanctions, China kills three birds with one stone; achieved the international security goal in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons by Iran; improved its relationship with the U.S. that has been going downhill since several issues and controversies; and served Iran as the foundation of creating the stability in the region that plays a major role in Chinese modern Silk Road.
References:
- "Iran Sanctions." US Department of State.N.p.,n.d. Web. 1 Aug. 2015. <http://www.state.gov/e/eb/tfs/spi/iran/index.htm>.
- "China Emerges a Major Winner from Iran Nuclear Deal." South China Morning Post. N.p., 20 July 2015. Web. 01 Aug. 2015. <http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1841446/china-emerges-major-winner-iran-nuclear-deal>.
- Blanchard, Ben. "China Says Iran Deal Good for Sino-U.S. Relations." Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 03 Apr. 2015. Web. 01 Aug. 2015. <http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/04/us-iran-nuclear-china-usa-idUSKBN0MV00O20150404>.