Tensions from the Middle East: China and Russia vs Europe on Alert... Japan to Dispatch Self-Defense Forces to Ensure Ship Safety

China and Russia Criticize the US
Major European Countries Express Concern Over Iran's Withdrawal from Nuclear Deal

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The reactions from China, Russia, Europe, and Japan are sharply divided regarding the death of Qasem Soleimani, the powerful Iranian military commander of the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force, in a U.S. airstrike. While there is a shared concern over Iran's decision to withdraw from the nuclear agreement (JCPOA ? Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), their voices differ on the U.S.'s actions. Meanwhile, the South Korean government is focusing on preparing countermeasures for the worst-case scenario and refraining from direct commentary.

China and Russia continue to voice criticism against the U.S. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled the U.S. military action as an "adventure," condemning it for exacerbating tensions and instability in the Middle East. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang emphasized during a regular briefing that the U.S. action violates fundamental principles of international relations and urged, "The U.S. must exercise restraint and refrain from abusing force."

Russia echoed similar sentiments. The Russian Ministry of Defense issued a statement criticizing the U.S. for "short-sighted actions that sharply escalate tensions in the Middle East, causing serious negative consequences for the international security system." Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone call with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, declaring that "the U.S. actions are illegal and must be condemned," and agreed to comprehensive cooperation at the United Nations Security Council regarding the Iran situation.

Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister in charge of diplomacy, is delivering opening remarks at the Korea-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting held on the afternoon of the 4th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building on Sejong-daero, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

China and Russia also shared similar diagnoses regarding the root cause of the incident. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued that the fundamental cause was the U.S.'s unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement followed by imposing the highest level of sanctions on Iran. In contrast, Iran was evaluated as showing restraint while fulfilling its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

On the other hand, major European countries are strengthening their criticism of Iran's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement. Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, urged Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to ease tensions and invited him to Brussels, while jointly calling with Germany, France, and the UK for Iran to revoke its withdrawal from the nuclear deal. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas stated, "Iran's announcement is a decision that complicates the situation and does not comply with the agreement, so we will discuss how to respond together with France, the UK, and others."

European leaders also united in their stance. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson collectively urged Iran to exercise restraint immediately following Iran's declaration to withdraw from the nuclear agreement. This reflects their determination to preemptively prevent the conflict between the U.S. and Iran from escalating into war in Europe's backyard.

Japan has expressed its intention to dispatch the Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East to ensure the safety of Japanese vessels, using the current situation as justification. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe mentioned the possibility of deploying the Self-Defense Forces and added his unwavering commitment to constitutional revision centered on making Japan a "war-capable nation."

South Korea is maintaining a cautious stance between the U.S. and Iran. This is partly due to the issue of troop dispatch requested by the U.S., as well as ongoing coordination of the visit schedules of Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Lee Do-hoon, head of the Korea Peace Negotiations Office, who will discuss resuming North Korea-U.S. talks and easing sanctions on North Korea, including defense cost-sharing negotiations this month. The Blue House stated regarding the possible dispatch to the Strait of Hormuz, "We are reviewing ways to contribute to international efforts," but drew a clear line by saying this does not equate to troop dispatch discussions. It is a process that inevitably requires prolonged deliberation.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "Securing the safety of our citizens and companies is the government's top priority. We plan to analyze the impact of deteriorating Middle East tensions on our economy, including trade, investment, and oil prices, as well as on the protection of overseas nationals and companies. Under organic cooperation among related ministries, we will continue to discuss and devise comprehensive countermeasures to prepare for the worst-case scenario."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.