What's gone wrong with Sino-Western coordination on Iran?
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The P5+1 will remain an important mechanism for addressing the Iranian nuclear issue. It is not only a forum for consensus-building among the major powers but also a platform for setting out their common concerns on the issue of nuclear proliferation. China in particular regards the mechanism both as a channel to voice its stance on the Iranian nuclear issue, and also a significant part of its interaction with the West.
But to maintain its effectiveness, the P5+1 should adopt a long-term approach. The U.S. has not backed down from its original objective that Iran must give up nuclear enrichment altogether, thus reducing the possibility of proliferation to zero, while Iran, as Larijani, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, declared on a recent visit to Japan that Iran wants to follow Japan’s model, that is to have the capability of making a bomb but not cross the red line. It seems that increasing pressure on Iran will not deflect it from its quest for more advanced capabilities. The P5+1, besides looking for a solution, should also serve as a channel for reassuring Tehran about Iran's overall security. Otherwise, an insecure Iran might proceed even further with its nuclear program.
Dr. Jin Liangxiang is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/node_7075400.htm
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