Gaza war compels China to review its Middle East policy
https://arab.news/z389n
For nearly two decades, China's approach to the Middle East has been characterized by what Sun Degang and other Chinese scholars have described as 'a trade-off between maximum economic benefits and minimum political risks.' The carnage in Gaza and the attendant changes in the power equations across the Middle East now demand that Beijing take a fresh look at its diplomacy in the region.
This has already been reflected in the measured remarks of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who, speaking at UN headquarters last month, categorically stated that the Palestinian question 'remains at the core of the Middle East issue' and, until it is resolved through the two-state solution, 'the peace and security of all countries will be threatened.'
China has thus signaled that its earlier 'hedging strategy' — the policy of 'offending no one' — is no longer feasible. This approach had enabled China to build very substantial energy, economic and, through the Belt and Road Initiative, terrestrial and maritime connectivity links with the countries of the Gulf. Again, China's recent engagements in the area of technology through the Digital Silk Road have coincided with the Gulf countries' interest in developing their own digital economies, as set out in their ambitious 'Vision' documents.
A decade ago, China's hedging strategy approach had moved from passive to proactive. In 2017, Chinese scholars articulated their country's 'quasi-mediation diplomacy,' under which it would expand its role in the political and security arenas. At the heart of this approach was the 'zero-enemy policy.' This involved the finalization of substantial strategic partnership agreements and the increasing engagement of major regional states in multilateral platforms supported by China.
Building on the earlier bilateral agreements and setting-up of dialogue platforms with Arab states, this approach has included China's 25-year cooperation agreement with Iran signed in March 2021, the Saudi-Iran reconciliation agreement of March 2023, the July 2024 Beijing Accord between 14 Palestinian factions, and the extension of membership of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to major Middle Eastern countries.
The changes in the regional scenario as a result of the Gaza war and attendant confrontations with Iran and its allies call for a new diplomatic approach by China.
The principal changes in the regional scenario are: first, the emergence of a militarily triumphant Israel and its aggressive territorial claims in the Occupied Territories and Syria. Second, the significant weakening of Iran and its so-called axis of resistance. Third, the total support being extended by the US to Israel with regard to its maximalist regional agenda. And, finally, the severe setback to Palestinian aspirations for a sovereign state.
China now needs to assume a responsible role in the region's security dynamics in order to confront the US-Israeli plans for long-term hegemony in the Middle East and to safeguard its own interests.
Talmiz Ahmad
US President Donald Trump has complicated the picture with harsh rhetoric against Palestinian interests and Iran, affirming that a US-Israel alliance will dominate Middle East affairs. Trump has also made it clear that his 'America First' approach includes challenging China's political, economic and technological influence in the region.
While Chinese scholars such as Sun wrote in October 2024 that the US and China 'share compatible and complementary interests' in terms of regional security and conflict de-escalation, this now has little relation with reality. In its engagements with Middle East states, China has always been conscious that the US views it as a rival and sees its expanding influence in zero-sum terms. Both the US and Israel, for instance, view China's political and economic support for Iran negatively, as well as China's silence on Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping.
In the coming months, Trump may be expected to revive the 'maximum pressure' approach toward Iran, while insisting that Gulf Cooperation Council states pursue the normalization of ties with Israel and increase their purchases of American weaponry. This, in short, requires them to abandon their affiliation with strategic autonomy that is at the heart of the GCC's 'Vision for Regional Security,' announced in March 2024. This will also inevitably require the dilution of their ties with China.
This will threaten Beijing's crucial energy, economic and long-term strategic interests. The changed security scenario in the Middle East and the emerging challenges from the US require that China move beyond its hedging strategy and shape a new approach that effectively safeguards its interests. This should have the following attributes:
One, support the Gulf states' commitment to strategic autonomy by making itself an indispensable energy, economic and security presence, with a robust pursuit of partnerships in diverse economic and political areas.
Two, expand energy, infrastructure and technological ties with Saudi Arabia, while promoting close ties between the GCC and Iran.
Three, extend full and overt support to Palestinian aspirations through involvement with reconstruction in Gaza and the West Bank and defend Palestinian interests at the UN and other international fora.
This approach calls for a fundamental review of China's generally hands-off approach that has, over the years, yielded great benefits to it. Earlier, China took great umbrage when outgoing President Barack Obama described it as a 'free rider' in the Middle East, i.e., obtaining advantages for itself while the US provided the security umbrella.
China now needs to assume a responsible role in the region's security dynamics in order to confront the US-Israeli plans for long-term hegemony in the Middle East and to safeguard its own interests. This is also crucial for the future of the multipolar world order.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
12 hours ago
- Arab News
Lebanon committed to renewing UNIFIL's mandate, says PM
BEIRUT: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Tuesday reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to renewing the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon to support UN Resolution 1701 and maintain border security. His statement followed an incident in which UNIFIL peacekeepers reported being confronted by rock-throwing individuals during a patrol in southern Lebanon, and described repeated attacks on its troops as 'unacceptable.' Salam condemned the attacks on UNIFIL, calling for the perpetrators to be apprehended and held accountable. He warned that such actions threatened southern Lebanon's stability and national interests, directing security agencies to refer the assailants to the judicial authorities. UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti said a Finnish soldier was slapped during Tuesday's confrontation. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry echoed his sentiments, urging prosecution under Lebanese and international law while reaffirming its support for UNIFIL's role in preserving peace and security. UNIFIL urged the Lebanese government to 'take all necessary measures to ensure that its forces perform their duties without any threat.' The peacekeepers said they conducted their mission in coordination with the Lebanese army and based on UNIFIL's mandate terms. UNIFIL reiterated that freedom of movement was a fundamental condition for implementing its mandate, including the ability to operate independently and impartially, as outlined in UN Resolution 1701. 'Any restriction on this freedom, whether during operational activities with or without the Lebanese Armed Forces, is a violation of this resolution,' the statement added. A supporter of the Iran-backed Hezbollah slapped a Finnish UNIFIL soldier on Tuesday. The incident occurred while a UNIFIL patrol was conducting search operations in an area between the towns of Deir Qanoun Al-Nahr and Al-Halloussiyah in the Tyre District, south of the Litani River. The assault represents the most serious incident in two weeks of mounting tensions between UNIFIL peacekeepers and individuals Hezbollah describes as 'locals.' The assault, which was captured on video by the protesters themselves and shared across social media platforms, occurred during disputes over UNIFIL's right to conduct inspections without Lebanese army escorts. The controversy emerged as the UN prepared to review the renewal of the peacekeeping mission's mandate. The next renewal is expected to be considered by the UN Security Council in August as the current mandate, extended on Aug. 28, 2024, expires on Aug. 31. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a key Hezbollah ally, characterized Tuesday's incident differently, claiming it represented 'a conspiracy against international forces designed to harm them, Lebanon, and the south.' Tuesday's violence occurred after two separate patrol incidents. First, Hezbollah supporters blocked UNIFIL forces from entering private property in Bedias town without the Lebanese army, forcing the patrol's withdrawal. Later on, another UNIFIL unit approached private land along the Al-Halloussiyah to Deir Qanoun Al-Nahr road, again without military escort. Locals quickly mobilized, surrounding the international patrol and demanding its departure. Tensions peaked when one protester physically struck the UN soldier. Lebanese army units later intervened to restore calm and immediately launched a hunt for the assailant. Local witnesses expressed alarm at seeing Lebanese soldiers potentially confronting civilians. UNIFIL later clarified that its 'personnel used non-lethal measures in order to guarantee the protection of the patrol members and others.' Lebanese Armed Forces quickly arrived at the site and the patrol resumed its duties when the situation was brought under control. A witness said an argument ensued between locals and the Lebanese army after the latter began to hunt for the man who slapped the peacekeeper. The protesters argued that UN forces should not operate independently of Lebanese military supervision, while UNIFIL maintained that its operations complied with established protocols. Fares Souaid, the head of the Lady of the Mountain Gathering, warned that 'the cost of beating a UNIFIL soldier will be very high.' He added that Hezbollah members were 'unaware of the harm the party is causing them.' The incident was preceded by an Israeli drone striking shepherds in the border town of Shebaa. The Lebanese Ministry of Health later reported the strike had killed 'the citizen Mohammed Kanaan and his son, Wael, a soldier in the army. His second son, Hadi, was injured.' The number of Israeli violations since the ceasefire agreement of Nov. 27 has now reached 1,643 on land, 1,774 by air, and 88 by sea, a total of 3,505. Hezbollah media reported that these had resulted in 172 deaths and 409 people suffering injuries. The ceasefire agreement, which sought to end over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, allows only Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers in the south of the country.
Leaders
14 hours ago
- Leaders
Western Allies Impose Sanctions on Israeli Ministers Over West Bank Violence
The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on Tuesday announcing coordinated sanctions and other measures targeting Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The five countries said the measures are a response to what they described as 'extremist rhetoric' and human rights abuses that have fueled settler violence, resulting in Palestinian deaths and the displacement of entire communities. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich Accusation 'Settler violence is incited by extremist rhetoric which calls for Palestinians to be driven from their homes, encourages violence and human rights abuses, and fundamentally rejects the two-state solution,' the ministers said. 'We are steadfastly committed to the two-state solution, which is the only way to guarantee security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term regional stability.' The statement directly accused Ben-Gvir and Smotrich—both far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet—of inciting such violence and promoting policies that undermine prospects for peace. 'Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous,' the ministers said. 'These actions are not acceptable.' Despite extensive diplomatic engagement with Israel, the governments said violent actors continue to operate with 'encouragement and impunity,' prompting the decision to act now. The foreign ministers stressed that the measures do not reflect a shift in their support for Israel's security. They reiterated condemnation of Hamas's attacks on Oct. 7 and emphasized their continued desire for strong ties with the Israeli people. The Joint Statement 'Today's measures are targeted towards individuals who, in our view, undermine Israel's own security and its standing in the world,' the statement said. The ministers also linked their concerns about West Bank violence to the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 'We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid,' they said, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access. 'There must be no unlawful transfer of Palestinians from Gaza or within the West Bank, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip,' the statement added. 'We want to see a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas and a political pathway to a two-state solution.' Short link : Post Views: 16
Asharq Al-Awsat
18 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
UN Peacekeepers Say Troops Attacked by Individuals in South Lebanon
United Nations peacekeepers said rock-throwing individuals confronted them during a patrol on Tuesday in south Lebanon, calling repeated targeting of their troops "unacceptable". The UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), deployed since 1978 to separate Lebanon and Israel, sits on a five-member committee to supervise the ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah. In a statement, UNIFIL said peacekeepers conducting "a planned patrol" coordinated with the Lebanese army were "confronted by a group of individuals in civilian clothing in the vicinity of Hallusiyat al-Tahta, in southern Lebanon". "The group attempted to obstruct the patrol using aggressive means, including throwing stones at the peacekeepers," the statement read, adding that "one peacekeeper was struck" but no injuries were reported, AFP reported. The situation was defused when the Lebanese army intervened, allowing the peacekeeping force to continue its patrol. "It is unacceptable that UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to be targeted," the statement added. UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti told AFP a Finnish soldier was slapped during the confrontation. A witness, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said an altercation ensued between locals and the Lebanese army, who were searching for the man who slapped the peacekeeper. One man opposing the army was injured and hospitalized, the witness said. In a statement, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he "strongly condemns the repeated attacks" on UNIFIL forces and called for the attackers to be stopped and held accountable. There have been several confrontations between people in south Lebanon, where Hezbollah holds sway, and UN peacekeepers in recent weeks. Confrontations are typically defused by the Lebanese army and rarely escalate. In December 2022, an Irish peacekeeper was killed in a shooting at a UN armoured vehicle in the south. Hezbollah surrendered a man accused of the crime, but he was released around a year later. The November ceasefire agreement, which sought to end over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, states that only Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers may be deployed in the country's south. Israel is supposed to have fully withdrawn its troops from Lebanon according to the deal, but has remained in five positions it deems strategic and has repeatedly bombed the country.
