For some time, China is constantly in the geopolitical talk of West Asia. It is viewed as the power to fill the vacuum left by gradual US draw-down from the region. Chinese policy of ‘Partnership Diplomacy’ across the geopolitical divides in the conflict-ridden region is being received positively. Chinese proposition of the developmental peace instead of Western idea of democratic peace has found increasing momentum of acceptance by countries of the region for stability, security and shared future of prosperity. The central intent of this paper is to understand and analyze the evolving patterns of changes, challenges and prospect of this expanding Chinese influence on the region’s geopolitical landscape with Israel-Palestine conflict underway and spill-over of the conflict into Lebanon and Syria. How the Chinese stand on Palestine and its responses during the on-going conflict would shape geopolitical landscape of the region and have implications for the wider world.
Palestine Peace Initiative
The Palestine Question is the at the heart of the geopolitical dynamics of the region and the decisive factor for peace and stability of the region. The Chinese are astutely making the peace gesture in the region which finds political and popular echo in the region when it says that the Palestine question has been the core issue in the region. Only a comprehensive peace on a fair and just basis can bring a lasting peace and security in the region. In this regard it has proposed four-point peace plan as well. First, ceasefire and cessation of violence is the top priority, specially Israel must exercise restraint in particular. Second, humanitarian assistance is an urgent need. China urges Israel to earnestly fulfill its obligations under international treaties, lift all the blockade and siege of Gaza as soon as possible, guarantee the safety and rights of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory, and provide access for humanitarian assistance. Third, international support and vigorous action by UN Security Council on the Palestine-Israel conflict, reiterate its firm support for a "two-state solution,". Fourth, a "two-state solution" is the fundamental way out. China supports the two sides resuming peace talks based on a "two-state solution" as soon as possible, to establish an independent State of Palestine with full sovereignty with East Jerusalem as its capital and based on the 1967 border and subsequent harmonious coexistence of the Arab and Jewish nations only can lead to a lasting peace in the region. [1]
The visit of President Abbas to China
The three days state visit of Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas to China, his fifth visit to the country assumes significance in China’s Palestine policy. The visit has been an unprecedented diplomatic expression that China is ready to help facilitate the peace talks between Israel and Palestine. The main goal of this trip was to strengthen bilateral relations, exchange views on the latest developments in Palestine besides other regional and international issues of common concern.[2] President Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Palestine are good friends, partners and trust and support each other. It was recalled that China was one of the first countries recognize Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine and firm support for restoring their legitimate national rights. It also witnessed commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations and signing of the economic and technological cooperation agreements. [3]
In a great show of support to the Palestinian sovereignty China affirmed its support for Palestine to become a full state member of the United Nations and would continue speaking for the Palestinian justice in multilateral forums and provide best possible assistance “to help ease humanitarian difficulties and reconstruction in Palestine.”[4] It is notable that the President Xi Jinping had expressed China’s support to gain full membership of the United Nations during his visit to Riyadh in December, 2022. These are rare expressions of support for Palestine from such a global power. It assumes greater salience in the wake of weakening of US support, withdrawal of commitments and assistance and genuine push for peace with Israel.
A Joint Statement was issued on establishment of Strategic Partnership agreeing to support each other on core issues of mutual concern. China pledged support for legitimate Palestinian rights based on two-states solution with 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as capital and Palestine’s firm support to One-China principle and opposition to any attempts of interference in internal affairs of China. Both agreed for cooperation in Belt and Road Initiative, China-Palestine Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, China-Palestine Free Trade Area, as well as in the field of culture, education and information. Also vowed cooperation in regional and international affairs to strengthen multilateralism. [5] The grandeur of the visit with the global optics and commitments of China towards the most critical issue of Palestine and public resolve to resolve it is the significant Chinese outreach with profound geopolitical significance for the region. In the face of US failure in making peace owing to its obvious support for Israel and overlooking its settlement expansion in the West Bank, disproportionate use of force against Palestinian, China has become a rising hope for peace in Palestine.
The 10th China-Saudi Business Conference held on 11th and 12th June at Riyadh “under the theme of “Collaborating For Prosperity” with the aim of supporting and promoting cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, and investment to achieve solutions of common interest for both Arab nations and China through strategic collaboration,” was a demonstration of engagement enthusiasm and growing welcome and influence of China in the region. The caption is particularly worthy of mentioning, “Join us for a new era of cooperation between Arab countries and China leading to stronger partnerships linking diplomatic, strategic, economic, industrial and cultural, cooperation.”[6] These are the signs of growing syndrome of expansion of Chinese influence in this region of strategic importance for energy security and global transit trade route.
China and Recent Palestine Crisis
As the tension and violence spiraling up in Palestine, the Chinese Foreign Minister had telephonic conversation with then Israeli Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen and said that “All parties should stay clam and exercise restraint, and refrain from any radical or provocative words and actions. The fundamental way out is to resume peace talks, and implement the two-states solution.”[7] The vision of common security of both Israel and Palestine was to be upheld. The recent restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia is “a fine example of resolving differences through dialogue”, he added. Such an intervention in the midst of the crisis and talk of genuine resolution of the century old inexorable conflict through dialogue and diplomacy finds positive echo in the region and ripples of hope all around, enhancing China’s influence as a power with credibility as a peace maker.
The perception of China and its role in West Asia has gained substantially with its stands on Palestinian and its offer of mediation based on two state solution. “The Palestinian question is at the heart of the regional issue and bears on enduring peace, stability and security in the Middle East region. To deescalate the Palestine-Israel conflict and resolve the Palestinian question, the fundamental way out lies in resuming the peace talks, enforcing the two-states solution, and establishing an independent Palestinian state,” said the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Qin Gang. He further added that “China upholds fairness and justice on the Palestinian question.” [8]
With the rabid war underway, Palestine remains to be the core geopolitical issue for West Asian politics, regional peace and global diplomacy. The US is no more perceived as an honest broker given its extraordinary close strategic alliance with Israel and an unexplained silence to Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied territories. The Chinese words finds an overwhelming echo of support for the Chinese Palestinian stand and peace gestures. The Iran-Saudi rapprochement has strengthened the hope in Chinese support, a huge ripple of Chinese influence in the entire region. Following Beijing’s success in brokering the Saudi-Iranian diplomatic agreement in March, the support for Chinese diplomacy has substantially increased. Now around 80 percent of the people expressed a clear opinion in support of a Chinese role in Israeli-Palestinian Peace talks.[9]
The cycle of violence in Palestine and US policy of vacillation and ambiguity and silence on Israeli excesses, makes Chinese engagement desirable into this century old inexorable crisis for a possible way out to peace. After the Chinese trial of peace making between Iran and Saudi Arabia, a congenial atmosphere is underway and the Chinese peace plan finds strong receptibility with hope of success. Chinese Ambassador, Geng Shuang made the remark at the UN Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question stressed three points in the wake of violence in Palestine. “First, the historical status quo of religious holy sites in Jerusalem must be respected and upheld. Second, the illegal expansion of settlements on the occupied territories must stop. Third, international humanitarian law must be observed.” Besides he further added that “China will continue to firmly support the Palestinian people and their just cause to restore their legitimate national rights, and support the establishment of a sovereign and independent state of Palestine based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”[10]
A Pro-Palestine Stand
China has not condemned the Hamas and expressed deep concern about the escalation of the conflict. “The fundamental way out of the conflict lies in implementing the two-state solution and establishment of an independent state of Palestine.”[11] . China has proposed for an international conference with greater authority and asked for UN obligation and responsibility to resolve the Palestine Question. Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East issue, Mr Jhai Jun has made extensive and intensive diplomatic engagements with the countries of the region. [12] The approach is abundantly clear that China is pursuing an alternate strategy which is intended to break and replace the West and US in particular in the geopolitics of the region. The Special Envoy of China for Middle East, Jhai Jun had a meeting the envoys of the Arab States in China and the responsible officials of the mission of the Arab League in China. The Special Envoy said that China is opposed to the moves that harms civilians and condemns that acts in violation of the international law. The Arab side highly appreciated and thanked China for upholding a just position on the Palestinian question for a long time and expressed the hope that China will continue to play a positive and constructive role. [13] China and Russia has aligned on Palestine policy and approach to the crisis as part of their global strategy against the West and the US in particular. Russian Presidential envoy and Deputy Foreign Minister Michael Bogdanov and China’s West Asia, Jhai Jun talked of their coordinated intervention for ceasefire, peace and an enduring resolution of the issue. [14] They had meeting at Doha on 20th Oct and attended the Cairo Peace Summit on 21st Oct 2023 as well as engaged with the leaders in the region and coordinating their responses in the UN as well.
The Israel’s ground operation and ordering of one million North Gazans to move to Southern Gaza received an opposing response of China. The meeting of delegation of Arab-Islamic Foreign Ministers with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr. Wang Yi and their expectation of China playing greater role in resolution of this dispute with requite fairness and justice demonstrates the Chinese position of trust in the region. [15] In his address to the Extraordinary BRICS Virtual Summit On the Situation in the Middle East with particular Reference to Gaza, President Xi Jinping called for justice and peace in Palestine-Israel issue. He stressed for three urgent imperatives of immediate ceasefire; secure and unimpeded humanitarian corridor and prevent spilling of the conflict endangering the stability of the entire region and emphasized implementation of the UNSC Resolution and stressed that Palestinian statehood is at the core of the conflict. [16] The Chinese stand is in line with Palestinian demand and stance of the Arab and Islamic world and is increasingly perceived as a credible peace maker.
China in the UN on Palestine
The adoption of the UNSC Resolution 2712 is the first breakthrough on Gaza crisis calling “for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for sufficient days” and release of hostages by Hamas and other groups. [17] The relevant Resolution was passed with 12 members voting in favour, none against and three abstentions (US, UK and Russia). The importance of the Resolution lies in the fact that it got affirmative votes after the failure of four Resolution last month. The UNSC Resolution are binding but [18] The UNSC presidency of China has played major role to bring this about. The abstentions of the three Permanent Veto wielding members is a marked diplomatic success over its western rivals in the geopolitical quagmire of West Asia.
China is working very closely with the ambassadors of the Arab group in the UNSC and UNGA at large and carefully address the media at the UN together. This is a powerful visual of China strategy to expand its geopolitical standing and influence. The expression of Chinese Ambassador to the UN Jhang Jun along with the Arab group about ceasefire and emphasis on working together towards eventual cessation and solution of the crisis.[19] The Chinese stand in the ICJ presented by Ma Xinmin, legal Advisor, Chinese Foreign Ministry, that “justice has been long delayed, but it must not be denied” and called Israel is a foreign nation occupying Palestine, so the right to self defence lies more with Palestine than with the Israelis. [20] The Chinese diplomatic engagement and its approach finds perceptible appreciation in the Arab and Islamic countries of the region and is bound to spur its geopolitical expansion in the region in the wake of the ambiguous strategies of the West and the US in particular. China has been using the conflict to flex its diplomatic muscles. Zhai Jun, the Chinese Special Envoy attended first 'Global Alliance for Two-State Solution, Riyadh 30 &31 Oct, 2024 along with 94 representatives from the region and around the world and made the Chinese stand for immediate ceasefire, peace and a lasting solution of the issue. [21]
Weaknesses and Challenges
China is trying to position itself as a neutral ‘Great Power’ in the region by exposing the inconsistencies of US policies. It may undermine US influence in the region and fetch a seat for China in the future negotiation table. But such a non-interventionist strategy has no sustainable basis in the wake of the rabid and escalating conflict underway. The Chinese strategy appears to be more of a tactic to keep the US and the West in general busy in the region so that it can expand its strategic domination in the Indo-Pacific. The Chinese stand demonstrates its anti-Western projection to spur its support base and leadership of the Global South empathetic to the Palestine cause. The multiple Chinese initiativesBelt and Road Initiative (BRI), Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilizational Initiative finding a strategic convergence in the region expanding its influence.
But it must be understood that Chinese power projection without using its actual power to influence the regional actors, their policies and actions will not be able to change the course of regional geopolitics. These peace gestures are neither able to convert the Iran-Saudi normalization into substantial regional security nor can it derail the Abraham Accord syndrome given the deeper national interests of the Arab states, their security imperatives and sustained US security architecture and logistics in the region. It must be noted that China is the second largest trading partner of Israel slightly behind the United States. It also has comprehensive cooperation with Israel in technology and innovations, mainly in military domain. The Chinese state-owned companies operate port Haifa, expansion of Ashdod port and Tel Aviv light rail system, the crucial infrastructure for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The Chinese collaboration technology remains unabated which also plays a crucial role Israel military strategy and action. The Chinese pursuit is surely to spur its power status in the region eventually taking the place of the United States. But its Palestine position is not radically different from that United States or India. Hence its stand on Gaza conflict and diplomatic assertions has hardly have potential to impact the geopolitical landscape of the region.
In Brief
The Chinese peace proposal for the Israel-Palestine issue is seen as constructive Chinese strategy to bolster its presence and influence in the region. Its active engagement in the conflict resolution efforts and facilitation of peace among the Palestine factions has spurred the recognition of China as a global player. The expansion of ‘Arab Accord’ and an eventual Arab-Iran-Israel Accord is the pathway to a peaceful and prosperous West Asia. To remain focus to the aspirations of peace and security in the region, keeping a consistent balanced approach and maintaining a sustained momentum of the pursuit are the challenges ahead. Given the enormity of the Palestine question and insufficiency of the Chinese endeavors, the emerging powers like India must remain engaged with this crucial strategic region for a lasting regional peace and stability.
References:
[1] China puts forward four-point proposal regarding Palestine-Israel conflict, XinhuaNet, 17th May, 2021 http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-05/17/c_139950043.htm
[2] WAFA (2023) “President Abbas arrives in China on his three days official visit” WAFA News Agency, 13th June, 2023 https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/136271
[3] FMPRC (2023) “Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas”,Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People‘s Republic of China (FMPRC), 14th June, 2023 https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/202306/t20230618_11099414.html
[4] SCIO (2023) “Chinese, Palestinian Presidents hold talks”, The State Council Information Office (SCIO), The People’s Republic of China, 15th June, 2023, http://english.scio.gov.cn/topnews/2023-06/15/content_87572085.htm
[5] CGTN (2023) China, Palestine issue Joint Statement on establishing Strategic Partnership, CGTN, 14th June, 2023 https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-06-14/China-Palestine-issue-joint-statement-on-strategicpartnership-1kDjPFKt0c0/index.html
[6] Arab-China Conference (2023) “10th Arab China Business Conference”, 11th & 12th June, 2023 https://www.arabchinaconference.com/
[7] FMPRC (2023) “Qin Gang has a phone call with Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen”,Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People‘s Republic of China (FMPRC), 14th April, 2023 https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/202304/t20230418_11061069.html
[8] FMPRC (2023) “Written Remarks by H.E Qin Gang State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of The People’s Republic of China: On UN Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Nakba”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People‘s Republic of China (FMPRC), 16th May, 2023 https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/202305/t20230516_11078314.html
[9] Anan Tello (2023) “80% of Palestinians Welcome Chinese offer to mediate woth Israel, US seen as least favourite option”, Arab News, 16th May, 2023 https://www.arabnews.com/node/2303361/middle-east
[10] PMPRC (2023) “Remark by Ambassador Geng Shuan at the UN Security Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question” Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China at the UN (PMPRC), 24th May, 2023 http://un.china-mission.gov.cn/eng/hyyfy/202305/t20230525_11083108.htm
[11] FMPRC (2023 October 8) “Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks on the Escalation of Tension Between Palestine and Israel”, Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2535_665405/202310/t2023 1008_11157299.html
[12] FMPRC (2023 October 13) “Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s Regular Press Conference on October 13 2023”, Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China http://gy.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/fyrth/202310/t20231013_11160691.htm
[13] FMPRC (2023 October 14) “Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Had a Group Meeting with Diplomatic Envoys of the Arab States to China and Responsible Officials of the Mission of the League of Arab States in China at the Latter’s Request”, Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjbxw/202310/t20231014_11161042.html
[14] FMPRC (2023 October 20) “Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Jhai Jun meets with Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Bogdanov Mikhail Leonidovich”, Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/wjbxw/202310/t20231020_11165150.html
[15] FMPRC (2023 November 20) “Wang Yi Holds Talks with the Delegation of Arab-Islamic Foreign Ministers”,Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/202311/t20231120_11183697.html
[16] Remarks (2023 November 21) “Remarks by H. E Xi Jinping, President of Peoples Republic of China At the Extraordinary Meeting of BRICS Leaders and Leaders of Invited BRICS Members On the Situation in the Middle East with Particular Reference to Gaza”, Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China, https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/zxxx_662805/202311/t20231121_11184750.html
[17] Resolution 2712 (2023), “Resolution 2712 adopted by the Security Council at its 9479th meeting”, 15 November, 2023 https://documents-ddsny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N23/359/02/PDF/N2335902.pdf?OpenElement
[18] UN Palestine (2023 November 16) “Security Calls for Urgent and Extended Humanitarian pauses in Gaza”, United Nations Palestine, https://palestine.un.org/en/252895-security-council-calls-urgent-extended-humanitarianpauses-gaza
[19] Joint Statement (2023 November 15) “Joint Statement by UAE, the Arab Group and China”, Media Stakeouts, United Nations https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1t/k1tdwkzncr
[20] Reuters (2024 Feb 22) “China asks World Court to speak out on ‘unlawful’ Israeli occupation” Reuters, 22nd February, 2024 https://www.reuters.com/world/china-asks-world-court-speak-out-unlawful-israeli-occupation- 2024-02-22/
[21] MFA-PRC (2024) “Special Envoy Jhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Attends the First High-Level Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the TwoState Solution”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, 2nd November, 2024 https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg_663340/xybfs_663590/xwlb_663592/202411/t20241103 _11520384.html
