That should partly explain why China has been persistently and consistently opposing Western sanctions from the very beginning. China is a competitive economy that advocates for free trade and opposes trade barriers.

China believes that the removal of sanctions after a comprehensive deal is signed will greatly enhance China's economic relations with Iran. Not only can China import more oil from Iran but Chinese companies in various other sectors ranging from infrastructure to telecommunications can also win more business opportunities due to the removal of payment barriers. And Iran's development will also mean the expansion of China's business.

The removal of sanctions will also help to facilitate China's efforts to implement its belt and road strategy. Iran should be a significant player in the plan judging by the size of its territory and population. And connecting the Central Asia and the Middle East, Iran's geographical position is also extremely important.

All in all, as argued, China has no reason to block the progress of the nuclear negotiations. China's business calculation is very clear. A solution to the nuclear issue will lead to a robust expansion of economic relations of the two countries, though China might have to sacrifice the interests of some of the less competitive companies.

China also believes that a negotiated solution to the issue would prevent the regional security situation from going worse. And a potential military solution would cause more damage to China's economic interests and national security. Terrorism in China's northwestern region is actually a part of international terrorism originating from the Middle East.

China's efforts in promoting a negotiated solution are also evident. China has been asking both Iran and the United States to be more flexible. China has also raised a step-by-step approach in addressing the issue, the spirit of which will be predictably carried in the potential final agreement.

Last but not least, whether a deal will be possible or not will finally depend on whether Iran and the West will move their respective positions defined by their domestic oppositions toward those of the other side. It is not China that is blocking the deal.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://china.org.cn/opinion/jinliangxiang.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.