China has asked the U.S. to stop interfering in its trade affairs with Iran, after Washington expressed apprehensions over a planned energy deal with Iran. Reacting sharply over the issue, Beijing said that plans by the state owned energy company CNOOC to invest in an Iranian gas field were legitimate. The company is at present in talks with Iranian officials to develop northern gas field, however no agreement has been signed yet.
The U.S. government had raised concern over Chinese state-run oil company’s investment bid in Iran. The White House argued that the plan was inappropriate in circumstances when Iran is defying UN resolutions over nuclear program. The investment proposal of developing Iran’s Pars gas field could be to the tune of $16 billion.
In the mean while, Beijing maintained that this kind of co-operation and relationship is legitimate and it should be interfered. China, one of the five members of UN Security Council, however voted against Iran to impose sanctions on the ground that it defied call to stop its uranium enrichment plans.
The Chinese authorities have warned its companies to maintain a low profile when trying to buy any foreign companies as it may stir anti-Chinese feeling. The Chinese government believes that growing strength of Chinese economy and surging export has created political suspicion abroad and especially in west.
