Would China side with Iran or the United States in a major world conflict?

Question

As I see (feel free to correct me if I'm off base here):

China receives a major stake of it's fossil fuels from Iran and therefore depends on the Middle Eastern Nation. China's economy runs heavily on exporting consumer goods to the United States, as well as holding a major share in our national debt.

How do you see this playing out in the event of a major escalation?

karlsgoddess don't be ignorant. A war between the United States and China would crush both countries. This isn't Iraq you're talking about. It's a nation with a standing Army larger then our Population and Nuclear Weapons.

Answer 1

I don't think that China would side with anyone. It's not in China's interest to get into a conflict with the United States or Iran, so I believe they would remain neutral. Even though China is a communist nation, they are dependent on the US and we are dependent on them.

Answer 2

U.S. makes a deal with China to ensure they continue to get oil, via Iraq or some other way, (Alaska maybe) and blockades Iran with warships would be the easiest way to stop Iran. With Russia to the north Iran would not get to far out of line. There would be a few hundred thousand crazy that would have to be killed to shown the error of their ways, but that would work. The same with North Korea. Also, if we promise China all the oil from any tankers the military ships get from Iran, they wouldn't mind to much. But the other player in this is India which also get lots of oil from Iran, can the U.S. supply enough oil for both countries?
I do not see a major escalation, Israel is just pushing back a bit, they won't go to far without getting slapped down by the U.S. or Russia or China who are the only countries that could really do it easily.

Answer 3

Does China really depend on Iran? No. It also relies on its own fossil fuels, you know. Does China depend on the U.S? No, but the U.S. does depend on China. If China was not the U.S's trading partner, do you know how much a pair of shoes would cost you? at least 10 times the price they are now. $100 shoes=$1000 shoes. Nobody would be able to afford anything. But then again, does China have to side with anybody?

Answer 4

If they know what's good for them, they would side with us.

But the chineses are smart people. They don't just make knee-jerk reactions. They are very methodical and take a long view of things.

Of course, they also hold ALOT of our national debt. They could make a power play and just stop buying our bonds. They wouldn't have to fire a shot and still side with Iran albeit very low key.

Answer 5

Considering Iran was invited to North Korea's missle tests (A Chinese ally, btw), I would say Iran and China would be fantastic cannon foder together.

The bigger question is what side would Russia take?

Answer 6

With over a billion people China well soon need oil a lot more than anything the USA can offer. I rest my case.

Answer 7

i doubt it...cuz wuznt china w/ the us in the world wars?

besides china could always get oil elsewhere but who else would buy they're things except the us

i dont think its actually gonna turn in2 a major world conflct anyway so it doesnt really matter.....they're probably not gonna side w/ any1

i dont really kno, but i hope not cuz im chinese so yeah

Answer 8

I would have to say Iran russia would side with them as well. Wouldnt like to see that happen ever.

Answer 9

They would side with Iran and Russia.

Answer 10

I don't know for sure, of course, but I'm betting on Iran.