Iran's picture is becoming clearer. IAEA criticized it in its latest report, saying Iran's nuclear technology is on track to develop nuclear weapons. The cries from the West to punish Iran grow louder. More strict sanctions seem inevitable. We cannot rule out the possibility that the West might resort to force. Again, China is trapped in a dilemma.
Chinese diplomats are forced to weigh their every word again. The dilemma, which sees China finding it hard to follow or oppose the international community has become common since the Cold War. Can China leave this uncomfortable position? Can it act like many other countries, taking a distinctive stance every time and defending its decision?
It is probably difficult, because the embarrassment is caused by two main facts. As long as these do not evolve, China's diplomatic embarrassment will linger.
First, China is both a developing country, with heavy economic and social tasks ahead, and a major power, expected to shoulder more international duties.
Second, China differs from the West politically and ideologically but upholds a market economy and cooperates with the West closely. It often has different views from Western countries but their domination makes it tough to assert these every time.
China's embarrassment is real. Take Iran. On the one hand, China is absolute in opposing the spread of nuclear weapons; on the other, its dependence on Iranian oil is bigger than that of the West. Besides, both China and Iran are developing countries, so it is impossible for China to be as strict as the West toward Iran.
However, it is impossible to expect the West to take China's consideration into account in making policies. In contrast, it is the Western countries that always pressure China to either follow them or face condemnation for being morally reprehensible.
The influence of China's diplomatic posture is increasing as it adapts to being the second largest economy in the world. There is no shortcut for China to solve the problem or a formula for it to copy in various complicated scenarios.
The Chinese public should be able to understand their country's present tough position in the world and bear the inevitable setbacks to come in this period. When there is a dilemma, neither choice is perfect. We should not be too demanding about the country's diplomatic effect at such times.
China's rise is not a smooth process. There are few countries that are willing to share China's joy at its achievements.
China's process is destined to face an awkward environment for the foreseeable future. But this diplomatic quandary will not always accompany China. It belongs to a certain period. China can endure this and survive the hard road ahead.
