Amna Puri-Mirza
Research Expert covering the Middle East
China's current diplomatic efforts in the Middle East - statistics & facts
For a long time, the internal relationships of the Middle East region seemed to be at a deadlock. Both Arab-Israeli conflicts and differences between Saudi Arabia and Iran have been perceived as seemingly unresolvable. A glimpse of hope appeared in the last few years when some Arab states began normalizing their relationships with Israel. Among those were Morocco, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, formalizing diplomatic relationships with Israel through the U.S.-sponsored Abraham Accords. At that stage, cynical observers of Middle Eastern politics quoted the long-standing political mindset of the region: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” For example, the majority-Sunni Arab states have connected with Israel over their common opponent Iran.
In early 2023, China introduced itself as a broker in Middle Eastern politics, surprising even some of the most experienced political experts in the region.
Olive branch – Made in China?
Saudi Arabia, yet to join the Abraham Accord, rebuilt their diplomatic ties with Iran through a deal arbitrated by China. Until recently, observers would have claimed that China’s leading interest in the Middle East is based on the region being their leading oil supplier. Their entering the Middle Eastern peace project was a complete game changer, although, for almost a decade, China’s respectability in the region was growing. As of 2023, China has made its intention known that it wants to broker peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. The Chinese state media agency Xinhua quotes Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang that their mediation efforts between the two parties would be based on the two-state solution. Thus far, the U.S. has been the Middle East region's lead broker of peace and diplomacy.Age of Pax Sinicia?
One can only speculate on China’s motives for entering the Middle Eastern peace process. But it is interesting to see how their efforts fit within their Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which seeks to pave the 21st-century silk roads, supporting global commerce with China at its center. China is already the main trade partner of most Middle East countries, which will only increase with the planned expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative.
