Beijing could face diplomatic isolation and disruptions to its fossil fuel energy supplies: Clinton

 

January 30, 2010 (Hamsayeh.Net) - Some US officials expressed frustrations over a dwindling international support for implementation of economic sanction on Iran.

 

At a press conference US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, warned both Iran and China that time was ripe to impose more sanctions against Tehran. She began her remarks saying the US understands China’s concerns about isolating Iran, but then warned against ‘longer-term implications’ if Iran  continues with its nuclear program.

 

Two weeks ago, Chinese officials rebuffed the US and its Western allies over an agreement to impose economic sanctions on Iran. China said it supported more negotiations with Iran.

 

Clinton said it was time to ‘move away from the engagement track’ and apply more pressure on Tehran. She also warned Beijing that it too could face diplomatic isolation and even more importantly disruptions to its fossil fuel energy supplies.

 

The idea of imposing economic sanctions is not a new one. During the 90’s the United States and some of its Western allies imposed an economic blockade on Iraq, an oil rich country in the Middle East. Some years later once Iraq turned into an economic basket case and Saddam's regime more isolated, the US invaded the country in the hope of controlling the oil resources. Large American corporations were then able to contract themselves out with massive oil projects, against other major international players.

 

The US views the Asian giant’s tremendous economic growth as a direct threat to its long forgotten manufacturing status. US manufacturing goods from refrigerators to jeans were at one time popular around the world. But with the emergence of China as a new manufacturing powerhouse, most consumers look forward to use vastly abundant and better made Chinese products.

 

China is also veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council and that makes the US worried over China using its veto power to frustrate American plans to impose economic sanctions on Iran.