China distances itself from Middle East turmoil despite offers of mediation

China has tried for years to improve its image by mediating in conflicts and disputes in the Middle East, but analysts say Beijing’s limited involvement in the Gaza war shows it still puts its own interests first.

In a recent article foreign policy Sun Yun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center in Washington, said China’s role in brokering reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran last year has raised hopes that China can find ways to ease tensions in the Middle East. Instead, she said, “China has not had that success.”

Sun and other analysts pointed to China’s economy’s huge dependence on Gulf crude and the fact that 53% of its energy needs come from the region, and that Beijing considers stability in the Middle East crucial. Sun said that “China has long positioned itself as a client and client of Middle East oil,” a role that gives it power; however, “China does not bear the burden of providing peace.”

Hesham Alghannam is Director of the Strategic Studies and National Security Program at Nayef Arab University of Security Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He recently spoke at a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace online seminar, praising China’s shared views with Arab states, including pushing for a ceasefire in the early days of the Gaza conflict. However, Alganem added that China’s political involvement in the Middle East “remains limited.”

“The Middle East is not China’s fundamental interest, and I don’t think anyone should exaggerate China’s power and role in the Middle East. Similar to the United States, China lacks a comprehensive security strategy to resolve Middle East issues,” he said. The region’s main security Challenges such as ending the conflict in Gaza. We didn’t see what we expected from China. So far, China has not taken any action, such as truly serious about ending the war in Gaza. “

Ahmed Abdouh, associate fellow at the Middle East Program at London’s Chatham House, said in a report that China has pressured Iran over Houthi attacks in the Red Sea “but only to protect its own ships.” He added that “Beijing will not use its limited influence to support the U.S. agenda” seeking to protect global commercial shipping in the region.

“China’s efforts are focused entirely on seeking guarantees to protect China’s direct interests. There is no evidence that Beijing has any interest in using its credibility to promote a comprehensive de-escalation in the Red Sea,” Abdo wrote.

He noted that Chinese threats led the Houthis to grant immunity to Chinese and Russian ships. Abdul said China has adopted a “low-risk, wait-and-see approach because it cannot afford other options.” “They don’t want to be forced to make a major policy shift and get involved because a Chinese ship is sunk or severely damaged.”

Professor Sun Degang leads Middle East Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai.China is seeing the rise of non-state actors, he told a Chatham House online panel [like the Houthis] Since it is its largest investment and trading partner, it poses a direct threat to its interests in the Middle East.

“So China says the United States cannot leave the Middle East. The Middle East needs the United States because it can be a stabilizing force for China and the rest of the world.”

He added that Beijing “wants to send a signal to the United States that China is not a competitor but a partner of the United States in the governance of the Middle East” and that the rise of non-state actors in the region “is the result of a governance deficit.” .

Sun believes that the United States and China can fill this deficit through cooperation on Middle East security affairs.