China May Refrain from Backing UAE’s Claim on Iranian Territory

China’s decision not to support the United Arab Emirates’ territorial claims against Iran has caused a stir at the ongoing China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing. The UAE has long laid claim to three small islands in the Persian Gulf that Iran took control of in 1971, sparking tensions in the region.

The China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, established in 2004 as a platform for dialogue between China and Arab states, opened on Thursday with President Xi Jinping delivering a speech emphasizing the importance of strengthening relations with Arab states for global peace and stability. The summit has brought together leaders from Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, Tunisia, and other Arab nations.

A diplomatic source close to the negotiations revealed to Iran International that China has decided not to support the UAE’s claim over the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb during the ongoing conference. In exchange for this decision, Iran has reportedly promised to disrupt the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) project, a strategic initiative involving Russia, India, and Iran.

The INSTC project aims to connect the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, providing a crucial trade route for participating countries. However, China’s reluctance to support the UAE’s territorial claims has put a strain on its progress, as Beijing exerts pressure on Tehran to delay the project’s development.

China’s stance on the territorial dispute is seen as a strategic move to maintain its influence in the region, especially in light of the competition posed by the International North-South Transport Corridor to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping, aims to enhance economic cooperation between China and other countries through infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, Russia’s support for the UAE’s claims on the islands has further complicated the situation, with Moscow signing a communique with the Gulf Cooperation Council in support of Abu Dhabi’s position. Iran has expressed its displeasure at Russia’s stance but remains reliant on its alliance with Moscow.

In a joint statement from a recent Russia-Arab countries meeting in Morocco, Russia once again backed the UAE’s claims on the islands, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region. Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, represented Moscow at the meeting, underscoring the significance of the issue for Russian interests in the region.

As the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum continues in Beijing, the diplomatic maneuvering surrounding the territorial dispute between the UAE and Iran is likely to shape the future of the region’s geopolitical landscape. With China’s decision not to support the UAE’s claims, tensions are running high as competing interests vie for influence in the strategically important Persian Gulf.