The Gaza conflict has led China to reevaluate its diplomatic strategy in the Middle East. Chinese officials stress the importance of addressing the Palestinian issue for regional stability. This necessitates a departure from China’s previous neutral stance towards a more proactive involvement that supports Gulf states and Palestinian aspirations, amidst rising U.S. influence.
China’s longstanding approach to the Middle East, as characterized by scholars such as Sun Degang, has relied on optimizing economic gains while minimizing political risks. Recent developments resulting from the Gaza conflict have prompted a reassessment of this policy, urging Beijing to redefine its diplomatic stance in the region.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently stated that the Palestinian issue is central to Middle Eastern conflicts and emphasized that lasting peace is dependent on a two-state solution. This stance indicates a departure from China’s earlier “hedging strategy” of maintaining neutrality, which previously allowed significant economic ties to flourish, notably through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.
A decade ago, China’s approach shifted towards a proactive diplomatic posture, termed “quasi-mediation diplomacy.” This strategy seeks to foster partnerships while adhering to a “zero-enemy” doctrine, promoting diplomatic engagement with regional stakeholders through various frameworks.
Recent developments, including China’s cooperation agreement with Iran and the reconciliation agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, illustrate a growing commitment to regional integration and collaboration with Arab states. Now, amid the shifting dynamics post-Gaza war, China is urged to adopt a more engaged diplomatic approach to match the evolving power scenarios.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant regional shifts: the military ascendancy of Israel, diminished Iranian influence, unwavering U.S. support for Israeli policies, and setbacks for Palestinian statehood aspirations. China must thus reassess its role within this complex security environment to protect its interests and counter the U.S.-Israeli dominance.
Political tensions have further escalated with U.S. policies under President Trump challenging China’s influence in the region. Despite claims from scholars like Sun regarding shared interests between the U.S. and China, actual geopolitical realities reflect a competitive stance where U.S. and Israeli interests view China’s partnerships skeptically, particularly regarding Iran.
Looking ahead, there is potential for renewed U.S. pressure on Iran and a push for greater ties between Gulf states and Israel, which poses challenges for China’s strategic interests in the Middle East. Therefore, Beijing must redefine its regional engagement to encompass:
1. Strongly supporting the Gulf states’ strategic autonomy while establishing itself as a key energy and security player.
2. Enhancing energy and technological ties with Saudi Arabia while fostering connections between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Iran.
3. Actively championing Palestinian rights via contribution to Gaza’s reconstruction efforts and defending their interests internationally.
This paradigm shift necessitates that China move away from its typically passive stance to become a pivotal player in Middle Eastern security dynamics, essential for navigating U.S.-Israeli hegemony and shaping a sustainable multipolar global order.
Talmiz Ahmad, a former Indian diplomat, emphasizes the critical nature of this evolution in China’s Middle Eastern policy.
The Gaza conflict has prompted a critical reassessment of China’s Middle Eastern diplomacy, necessitating a shift from its previous hedging strategy. China must embrace a more active role to protect its interests in the region amid changing power dynamics, particularly in light of U.S. influence and support for Israel. By enhancing partnerships with Gulf states, supporting Palestinian aspirations, and expanding its presence in energy and security, China can better safeguard its position in the Middle East and contribute to a stable multipolar world order.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
