The state-run Global Times on March 20, 2018 front-paged Iran's invitation to China and Pakistan to participate in construction of the Chabahar Sea Port. The invitation was extended by Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on March 12, 2018 while on a 3-day tour to Pakistan. Hua Liming, China's former Ambassador to Iran, said "Iran fully understands on infrastructure construction and financial strength, India cannot compare to China. Iran sees India as an alternative rather than the first choice of a partner, and this is why it is still trying to invite China. China has the advantage of the Belt and Road Initiative and can take advantage of Chabahar Port to implements its initiative. ..". Hua Liming added it is a difficult choice because the CPEC is China's flagship project. Wang Yiwei, Director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, said China needs to consider it carefully as it doesn't want to refuse Iran. He disclosed that "China, Pakistan and Iran have already started discussions about the Chabahar project through trilateral dialogue, which was participated by diplomats, scholars and officials responsible for specific projects."