The iranian nuclear dilemma: A Comparative analysis of Chinese and US strategy

Abstract

The Iranian nuclear energy program has remained a contested issue since the early 1990s, dividing international community into two opposing camps. On the one side, the US and its major partners argue that Iran’s nuclear program is not for peaceful purposes and if Tehran insists on nuclear development, punitive action must be taken. On the other side, China and Russia maintain that a difference between nuclear technology for civilian and military purposes must be made. Thus, they argue, whereas all nuclear proliferation activities by non-nuclear countries must be prevented, states should be allowed to acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. China, a major power in the opposing camp and Iran’s largest energy partner, emphasizes that nuclear proliferation activities must be separated from trade in energy and that a rules-based mechanism must be set up to deal with the Iranian nuclear issue. This paper offers a comparative analysis of the US and Chinese policy toward Iran’s nuclear energy program, attempting to shed light on the features of the two distinct approaches to what it calls the Iranian nuclear dilemma. It maintains that the disagreement stems from China’s principle-based and economics-driven Persian Gulf strategy which conflicts with US hegemony-based and security-driven policy to the region. It holds that while the Iranian nuclear dilemma requires China to take steps to safeguard its energy interests in the Persian Gulf, it also provides Beijing with the opportunity to promote its vision of international governance based on harmony and mutual respect.