China currying favour with Trump? Journalist's tweet on Iran sparks curiosity

Iranians on Wednesday attacked a military base of the US and allied forces in Iraq. At least nine rockets slammed on the Iraqi airbase. Even as causalities are being counted for, Hu Xijin, Editor-in-chief of Chinese and English editions of the Global Times, tweeted, “It's exactly because the US is powerful, it doesn't need the courage to launch a counterattack, while restraint needs great courage. Under the world's watch, history is expecting you to become a great president of the US who can prevent the escalation of the war.”

The tweet was in reply to Trump's tweet, “All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.”

In another earlier tweet, the editor had asked the US President to exercise restraint and said that there was no need to prove the strength of the US.

In a tweet on January 6, Xijin had said, “The US fought an expensive war to overthrow Saddam's regime, but a democratic Iraq wants to expel US troops now. Iraq hasn't been changed by the US, more like been changed by Iran. Such a bad deal. President Trump has reason to be angry.”

One user seemed to agree with Xijin and wrote, “Absolutely right @realDonaldTrump

History will judge you if you prevented a war, not start one.”

Another user wasn't happy with Xijin and said, “What are you going to encourage The CCP to use "restraint" against the Uyghurs and those in Hong Kong?” referring to Uyghur Muslims being put in camps and China's inaction about the ongoings in Hong Kong.

Another user said, “Some sensible words, I hope it comes down that irritate child.”

It would be interesting to know, however, that Xijing, about 15 hours before he sent out the first tweet, had posted, “Based on what I know, the Chinese side is actively preparing for signing phase one trade deal with the US.” 

Now, Hu Xijin, a prominent journalist in China sending out a tweet asking Trump to restrain from starting a war, right after he tweets about the trade US and China are about to sign, raises some questions.

Going by China's history of restraint on expressing oneself in such a manner, let alone on social media, Xijin would not be able to put out a tweet of such nature before clearance from authorities.

The tweet looks like a staged message, sent out to prevent further clash or tension at the American end. The signing of the trade deal is important for China. The deal could put an end to the two-year confrontation between China and the US. It could also mean an end to the numerous sanctions Trump administration imposed including a 25 per cent tariff on $50 billion of Chinese goods in May 2018. In the months running up to the New Year, the Chinese economy had been facing a slowdown. The trade standoff has hurt the Chinese economy more than it has the US, according to an IMF (International Monetary Fund) report. Beijing in July 2019 announced that its annual rate of expansion had slowed from 6.4% to 6.2% in the second quarter of 2019. It would be interesting to note that the Global Times is considered to be the mouthpeice of the Communist Party of China.

Xijin's tweet maybe something to count for, with the US House Congress itself trying to pass a resolution that will curb Trump's war powers. But, it could also be a masked attempted to protect Chinese interests. 

While it isn't clear if Trump would reply to fire with fire, but further action could only make things worse. Iran's economy that has already taken a hit, cannot bear expenses of more military attacks. If Trump were to go ahead and attack Iranian cultural sites as threatened earlier, not only does it violate international laws, it could cost many innocent civilian lives.