China's diplomacy succeeds even if it doesn't bring Middle East peace
Analysis argues Beijing's regional strategy advances its interests and differentiates it from the US, despite limited concrete results
Quick Look
- Analysis examines China's diplomatic role in the Middle East, arguing that despite limited concrete peace achievements, Beijing's strategy advances its regional interests and differentiates it from the US.
- Since 2016, China has consistently called for ceasefires and negotiations in conflicts from Syria to Palestine, with the 2023 Saudi-Iran normalization as the sole exception.
- Following the US-Iran ceasefire, Xi Jinping proposed a four-point peace plan and criticized American policy as risking a 'law of the jungle' approach.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
For over a decade, China has maintained a consistent diplomatic approach to Middle East conflicts, calling for ceasefires and negotiations. With the exception of the 2023 Saudi-Iran normalization, these efforts have not resulted in concrete peace agreements. The article examines whether this apparent lack of success actually serves China's strategic interests.
China's recent diplomatic efforts in the Middle East have led to speculation over whether its global strategy has shifted. There is consensus that China is stepping into a leadership role and trying to play peacemaker. Meanwhile, a few sceptics point out that the US-Israel war on Iran is not about China and has only exposed how thin Beijing's influence is in the region.
We've been here before. In the last decade, with each moment of conflict in the Middle East and North Africa, from Syria to Libya to Palestine, China has urged a consistent response: a cessation of hostilities followed by immediate negotiations to reduce tensions, either in an international forum or mediated by China.
With the exception of the 2023 Saudi-Iran normalisation agreement, none of these suggestions was seriously engaged with. But while China's diplomatic record in the region is spotty and limited, its strategy might still be successful from Beijing's perspective.
Less than a week after the US-Iran ceasefire, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a four-point plan for peace and stability in the Middle East during a meeting with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In a veiled criticism of American policy, Xi warned the world could not risk returning to "the law of the jungle".
The same day, China's foreign ministry described the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the latest escalation, as "irresponsible and dangerous". On Monday, during a call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, Xi said the waterway should remain open for normal passage and that "China advocates an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire".
Open Questions
- Will China's four-point peace plan gain traction?
- Is China's diplomatic approach genuinely aimed at peace or primarily strategic positioning?
- How will the US respond to Chinese criticism of its Middle East policy?
