China heralds new dawn of hope in the Middle East

Editor's note: At the invitation of China, senior representatives from 14 Palestinian factions convened for reconciliation talks in Beijing from July 21 to 23, culminating in the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity. Experts have shared their perspectives with China Daily on the significance of this diplomatic breakthrough. Excerpts below:

In recent years, China's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East have garnered significant attention and success, particularly evident in its brokering of peace between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and most recently, facilitating Palestinian unity talks. Understanding why China has been able to achieve these milestones involves examining several key factors.

China's sustained commitment to promoting peace in the Middle East is a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Over the years, China has consistently advocated for a fair and comprehensive resolution to regional conflicts. This ongoing effort, rooted in policy proposals and diplomatic initiatives, reflects China's belief in peaceful dialogue as the primary means of conflict resolution. For instance, long before the recent Palestinian unity talks, China had invited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for visits separately, underscoring its continuous effort to seek a peaceful solution.

The successful mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran last year was a significant diplomatic triumph for China. It not only showcased China's diplomatic prowess but also sent shockwaves across the geopolitical landscape. Many had deemed the Saudi-Iranian conflict intractable, especially during the former US Donald Trump administration, which heightened tensions and sought to align Israel and Arab states against Iran. China's ability to facilitate a handshake in Beijing between these two rivals demonstrated its growing influence and the effectiveness of its approach. This mediation wasn't merely about China's diplomatic efforts but also about the broader acceptance of China's philosophy of cooperative development over conflict.

China's approach to diplomacy is heavily focused on economic cooperation and development, rather than mere geopolitical maneuvering. Middle Eastern countries, weary of prolonged conflicts and the consequent neglect of domestic development, have increasingly recognized the value of China's emphasis on economic growth and stability. This shift in priorities has aligned well with China's long-standing policy of promoting regional stability through development. By focusing on economic development, China has offered a compelling alternative to the destructive cycles of conflict and competition, making its peace initiatives more attractive.

The Middle Eastern countries' realization of the futility of endless geopolitical conflicts has led them to seek new avenues for peace and development. China's vision of cooperative development resonates with these aspirations. This alignment has created a conducive environment for China to play a pivotal role in mediating conflicts. The recent request from Palestinian factions for China to facilitate their reconciliation is a testament to this growing trust and recognition of China's role.

Despite these successes, skepticism remains about the long-term impact of China's diplomatic efforts. The complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, the historical grievances, and the deep-rooted mistrust pose significant challenges. However, China's approach, which combines immediate practical steps with a long-term vision, offers a glimmer of hope.

China's proposal for a sustainable ceasefire, governance arrangements for Gaza, and the promotion of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations reflects a structured and phased approach to conflict resolution. By first achieving a ceasefire, then addressing governance issues, and finally seeking international recognition, China aims to create a road map that balances immediate needs with long-term aspirations.

China's growing influence in Middle Eastern diplomacy is not without its critics. Some Western voices question China's intentions and capabilities, often driven by fears of diminishing Western influence in the region. However, the pragmatic and cooperative nature of China's diplomacy offers a counter-narrative to the often divisive and competitive strategies of the past.

The successful Saudi-Iranian reconciliation and the positive reception of China's involvement in Palestinian unity talks suggest that China's diplomatic approach is resonating with regional stakeholders. As more countries witness the tangible benefits of China's peace initiatives, there is potential for a broader shift towards cooperative development and stability in the Middle East.

China's recent diplomatic successes in the Middle East mark a significant shift in the region's approach to conflict resolution. By aligning its long-term peace diplomacy with the region's aspirations for development and stability, China has positioned itself as a key player in promoting peace. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but China's structured and inclusive approach offers a promising path towards lasting peace and development in the Middle East. As the international community watches closely, China's role in shaping the future of Middle Eastern diplomacy continues to unfold, heralding a new era of hope and cooperation.

Li Weijian, a senior research fellow at the Institute for Foreign Policy Studies, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies. 

This is a major move, because by including all Palestinian factions within the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization, or letting a joint Hamas-PLO administration be in charge of Gaza rather than Hamas alone, it removes many hurdles for reaching a ceasefire in Gaza. On the one hand, it removes Netanyahu's excuse that a "terrorist" organization is running Gaza. In fact, this is a great Chinese prop for the US' Joe Biden administration to convince Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire. It will also make Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, which see Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood International as terrorist organizations, show greater engagement in the Palestinian and Gaza situation. There are many difficulties here, but all in all, this represents a crucial step toward peace and the alleviation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, albeit temporarily.

Hussein Askary, vice-president of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden and Distinguished Research Fellow at Guangdong Institute of International Strategies.