China's peace-making efforts in the Middle East

Since the new leadership came into office earlier this year, China has become more assertive and proactive in foreign affairs. Whereas Hu Jintao was focused on economic development, President Xi Jinping began his term in office with a flurry of visits as he seeks to ensure China’s voice is heard on major security issues.

The Libyan war inflicted an economic blow on China as many Chinese companies were forced to abandon their investments there, while Chinese nationals were forced to flee the country. This experience has strengthened China’s resolve to be proactive in foreign affairs, and to try to encourage a peaceful solution to problems. In general, China tries not to take sides but to be on friendly terms with all. For example, it has major business interests in Syria and Iran, while also building close relationships with countries such as Egypt, Israel and Turkey. 

China’s efforts as a peacemaker came to the fore in May when both the Israeli prime minister and the president of the Palestinian Authority were in Beijing. China urged peace talks and proposed a four-pronged peace plan for Palestine.

Another group of countries in the Middle East, which is of particular importance to China, is the six Gulf States (GCC) as these provide China with over 36 per cent of its oil imports. Investment flows are growing strongly in both directions and Asia is becoming increasingly important for the Middle East as it seeks to find alternatives to the weaker economies in Europe. Over the past few years GCC-Asia trade has almost doubled and oil exports to Asia are now worth more than the GCC’s combined exports to Europe and North America. 

Although China lacks either the military might or the soft power of the US, it is nonetheless growing in stature as it quietly increases its influence, leveraging off its economic strength. 

While China wants stability in the Middle East to ensure the flow of oil and the security of its investments, from the Arab perspective China is seen as a good long-term partner which is not threatening to their national sovereignty or territorial integrity. If we want to see a world that is less volatile and dangerous, let us hope that China’s efforts to support stability and balance in the Middle East will be successful.

 

 

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