Thaindian News

Beijing, Jan 23 (IANS) A leading state-run Chinese daily warned Monday that Moscow and Beijing were seriously concerned over US attempts to go to war with Iran.

After Iraq and Afghanistan, the US “is preparing for a potential confrontation with Iran, and appears confident of another successful air strike.

“Such a demonstration of armed might makes powers like Russia and China increasingly nervous,” the commentary in the English language Global Times said.

It said that “mainstream forces in Washington are trying to sell a ludicrous standpoint to the American people: that it is worthwhile to bear financial costs and even lose some lives to confront lurking dangers to US security in the Middle East.

“This is not a rational analysis, but rather a pious belief in US politics. With an appetite for national security causes, the US becomes increasingly meticulous in eliminating potential challenges.”

The daily, which reflects the thinking in Chinese leadership, warned that by stirring up other powers’ sense of insecurity, the US was actually undermining its own interests.

“If the West slides into a war with Iran, the damages will not be any lower than the potential threat of Iran’s nuclear power.

“Perhaps the US is used to resorting to war to solve geopolitical problems,” it said.

“Many worry that such a mentality will sooner or later lead to a US clash with Russia and China.”

For Beijing and Moscow alike, it said, relations with the US had been stressful.

In both countries, an increasing number of people now advocate a Moscow-Beijing alliance, Global Times said.

“The two do have countermeasures against the US, and they are capable of deterring US allies,” it added.

“If they are really determined to join hands, the balance of power on many world issues will begin to shift.”