Resolving conflicts in the Middle East – Opinion

The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia deepened and China’s Middle East policy promoted regional stability as part of its broader foreign policy to support development in the Global South.

The Middle East has been of great importance to China and is high on the country’s foreign policy agenda. It is one of the most important regions in the world from a geopolitical point of view. The fact that China pays great attention to the Middle East is evident from the nature of China’s political, economic, trade, cultural and technological cooperation with countries in the region.

China aims to contribute to the stability of the Middle East by deepening economic cooperation with the region, which can hopefully serve as a counterbalance to the ongoing conflicts and even contribute to their end.

China’s economic cooperation with other countries and regions is based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence, including mutual benefit, non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and the principle of solving political crises and problems through political means. China’s proposal and efforts to build a community with a common future for mankind lead it to use every possible opportunity to mediate peace between conflicting parties in different regions and help resolve conflicts and disputes through negotiations. China has also begun to make joint efforts to deal with political and security crises and issues.

“Pragmatic cooperation” has indeed become a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy, shaping its approach to international relations, especially in the Middle East. The pragmatic cooperation framework underpins various Chinese initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to improve connectivity and stimulate economic development between regions by building and/or revitalizing infrastructure and trade routes linking China to the Middle East and other regions.

China is also strengthening collaboration with other countries on technology transfer to boost local industries and strengthening oil and gas partnerships to ensure smooth energy supply. But the most important factor defining China’s role in the Middle East and other regions is its efforts to develop a just and more equitable world order. China’s discourse is centered on justice, especially for the Palestinian people.

China advocates for the rights of the Palestinian people, positioning itself as a champion of its cause against perceived injustices. Its stance aligns with its broader narrative of ensuring that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries are respected.

Therefore, China’s approach is one of striking a balance between pragmatism and principles. While safeguarding its economic and strategic interests, China seeks to uphold the values ​​of justice and equality and protect human rights. Commitment to resolving crises, especially in the Middle East, is one of the most prominent components of China’s foreign policy.

As it seeks to resolve the crises in the Middle East, China’s moves are based on several determinants, including maintaining stability, balancing relations, and using diplomacy to resolve issues. China has long called for dialogue to help resolve conflicts in the Middle East, while urging all sides to exercise restraint and avoid taking actions that could further escalate tensions.

The fact that China made efforts to restore peace in the Middle East became abundantly clear when it successfully brokered a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March 2023. It was the first real Chinese-assisted mediation between two Middle Eastern countries.

Another peace initiative that China undertook was the meeting of 14 Palestinian factions, which signed the Beijing Declaration in July and pledged to resolve their differences and work together to end the Israel-Palestine conflict and establish an independent Palestinian state.

While playing a bigger role in protecting global security, China is trying to resolve the ongoing conflict in Sudan. He called on the warring parties to agree on a ceasefire and dialogue to find ways to restore peace in the region. In particular, he urged the international community to extend support to Sudan, prevent foreign interference in Sudan’s internal affairs and lift sanctions on it.

China’s efforts in the Middle East have been welcomed by countries in the region as they aim to resolve differences through dialogue.

But there are still challenges that need to be addressed, including the political challenges facing the Arab world due to the escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict. In conclusion, China’s pragmatic cooperation strategy underscores its commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships in the Middle East while advocating for justice on critical issues.

The author is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Suez Canal University, Egypt.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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