China’s Role in Conflict Mediation in the Middle East: Normalization of Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia and the 2023 Israel-Hamas War

Abstract

The article discusses China’s evolving role in the Middle East, emphasizing its shift from economic and energy interests to a more active involvement in political and security matters. It highlights China’s mediation efforts between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which led to the normalization of diplomatic relations. The article explores the reasons behind China’s mediation, including its interest in easing tensions for its Middle East strategy, managing relations amid US-Saudi tensions, and demonstrating a broader political and security engagement in the region.

The analysis includes the views of Chinese intellectuals who see the success of the mediation as a diplomatic achievement and a signal of the end of US hegemony in the Middle East. The article also touches on China’s stance on the Hamas-Israel conflict, noting China’s proactive approach and criticism of Israel’s actions while supporting Palestine.

In a broader context, the article discusses China’s historical relations with Palestine and Israel and highlights China’s growing political engagement in the Middle East. However, at the same time, it also shows the limitation of China’s influence in the region. The analysis suggests that China’s diplomacy reflects a response to the changing dynamics in the region and its proactive efforts to shape the regional order amidst the decline of US influence.

Acknowledgment

This article is based on an original Japanese-language article published in Gaiko (Diplomacy), Vol. 81, Sep./Oct. 2023.

Notes

1 Hussein Mubarak, “Saudi Arabia and Iran Restore Relations: A Victory of Necessity,” Wilson Center, June 5, 2023, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/saudi-arabia-and-iran-restore-relations-victory-necessity

2 Saeed Azimi, “The Story behind China’s Role in the Iran-Saudi Deal,” Stimson Center, March 13, 2023, https://www.stimson.org/2023/the-story-behind-chinas-role-in-the-iran-saudi-deal/

3 Benjamin Houghton, “China’s Balancing Strategy between Saudi Arabia and Iran: the “View from Riyadh” Asian Affairs, Vol. 53, No. 1, pp. 124-144.

4 “Xieshou Tuijin Xinshidai Zhonga Zhanlve Huoban Guanxi: Zai Zhonga Hezuo Lunutan Dibajie Buzhangji Huiyi Kaimushi shang de Jianghua [Joining Hands to Advance China-Arab Strategic Partnership in the New Era: Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Eighth Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CACF)],” Xinhuanet website, July 10, 2018, https://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/leaders/2018-07/10/c_1123105156.htm (Chinese)

5 “Wang Yi Tichu Shixian Zhongdong Anquan Wending de Wudian Changyi [Wang Yi puts forward five-point initiative to realize security and stability in the Middle East],” People’s Daily online, March 26, 2021, http://world.people.com.cn/n1/2021/0326/c1002-32061745.html (Chinese)

6 “Quanqiu Anquan Changyi Gainian Wenjian [Global Security Initiative Concept Paper (full text)],” People’s Daily Online, February 21, 2023, http://world.people.com.cn/n1/2023/0221/c1002-32628088.html (Chinese); Global Times, February 21, 2023, https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202302/1285900.shtml (English)

7 Niu Xinchun and Li Shaoxian “Chengshi Ershang: Zhongguo Woxuan Shate Yilang Fujiao jiqi Yingxiang [Riding the momentum: China’s Role in the Resumption of Saudi-Iran Diplomatic Relations],” China International Studies, No. 101, July/August 2023, pp. 38-54.

8 Sun Degang, “Yazhou Daguo Zennme Zhuli ‘Xin Zhongdong’ Fazhan [How Asian Powers Can Help the “New Middle East” Develop],” Global Times, July 23, 2023.

9 “Heping Hongli! Shate he Yilang Woshou hou, Zhongdong Duoguo Yinglai ‘Dahejie’” [Peace dividend! After Saudi Arabia and Iran shook hands, many countries in the Middle East witnessed a “great reconciliation”],” YICAI, March 21, 2023, https://m.yicai.com/news/101707412.html (Chinese)

10 Wang Yi, “Shayi Beijing Duihua shi Heping de Shengli [Saudi-Iranian Dialogue in Beijing a Victory for Peace],” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, March 10, 2023, https://www.mfa.gov.cn/web/wjdt_674879/gjldrhd_674881/202303/t20230310_11039102.shtml (Chinese)

11 Niu Xinchun and Li Shaoxian “Chengshi Ershang: Zhongguo Woxuan Shate Yilang Fujiao jiqi Yingxiang [Riding the momentum: China’s Role in the Resumption of Saudi-Iran Diplomatic Relations],” p. 48, (note 11).

12 Sun Degan, “Shate yu Yilang de Fujiao Licheng de Renlei Mingyun Gongtongti [The Community of Human Destiny in Saudi Arabia’s Journey to Restore Diplomatic Relations with Iran],” Contemporary China and World, Vol. 2023, No. 3, pp. 97-104.

13 Wang Yi, “Zai Balesidan Wenti shang, Zhongfang Zhanzai Heping Yibian、Zhanzai Renlei Liangzhi Yibian [China Stands on the Side of Peace and Human Conscience on the Question of Palestine],” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, October 13, 2023, https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/wjbzhd/202310/t20231013_11160787.shtml (Chinese); https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/zxxx_662805/202310/t20231014_11160987.html (English)

14 “Wang Yi tong Shate Waijiao Dachen Feisaer Tong Dianhua [Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah bin Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud],” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, October 15, 2023, https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/wjbzhd/202310/t20231015_11161058.shtml (Chinese); https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/zxxx_662805/202310/t20231017_11162147.html (English)

15 “Wangyi tong Yiselie Waizhang Keen Tong Dianhua [Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen],” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, October 24, 2023, https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/wjbzhd/202310/t20231024_11166569.shtml (Chinese); https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/zxxx_662805/202310/t20231024_11167119.html (English)

16 Yoram Evron “Between Beijing and Washington: Israel’s Technology Transfers to China,” Journal of East Asian Studies, Volume 13, 2013, pp. 503-528.

17 “Xi Jinping Qiangdiao Zhongfang Jianding Zhichi Balesidan Renmin de Zhengyi Shiye [Xi emphasizes China’s firm support for Palestinian people’s just cause],” The State Council, the People’s Republic of China website, May 6, 2013, https://www.gov.cn/guowuyuan/2013-05/06/content_2584706.htm (Chinese)

18 “Xi Jinping tong Balesidanguo Zongtong Abasi Juxing Huitan [Xi Jinping holds talks with President Abbas of the State of Palestine],” Xinhuanet website, July 18, 2017, https://www.xinhuanet.com//politics/2017-07/18/c_1121340863.htm (Chinese)

19 “Yibuyibu, Meiguo Gei Bayi Chongtu Shang ‘Sijie’ [Step by step, the US is tying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a knot.],” Global Times, October 25, 2023, http://www.news.cn/mil/2023-10/25/c_1212293396.htm (Chinese); “Meiguo zai Bayi Chongtu Zhong Qile Shenme Zuoyong? Zhongdong Zhuanjia: ‘Huoshang Jiaoyou’ [What role has the US played in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? Middle East expert: ‘adding fuel to the fire’],” China Central Television (CCTV) website, October 16, 2023, https://news.cctv.com/2023/10/16/ARTI5qWZg8VBw0jtR3Ou3ctT231016.shtml (Chinese).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yamaguchi Shinji

Yamaguchi Shinji is a Senior Research Fellow, China Studies Division, Regional Studies Department at the National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS). He specializes in Security Studies and Regional Studies and has expertise in Chinese politics, Chinese security policy, and contemporary Chinese history. Selected publications include the NIDS China Security Report 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2023; “New Evidence on Hu Yaobang’s Fall and Japan-China Relations in the 1980s: Prime Minister Nakasone Yasuhiro’s Visit to China, 1986,” Sources and Methods, History and Public Policy Program, February 26, 2021, Wilson Center; “Creating Facts on the Sea: China’s Plan to Establish Sansha City,” Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, CSIS, April 17, 2017; “Strategies of China’s Maritime Actors in the South China Sea: A Coordinated Plan under the Leadership of Xi Jinping?” China Perspective, 2016 No.3, (October 2016), pp.23-31; and “The Continuity and Changes in China’s Perception of the International Order,” NIDS Journal of Defense and Security, No.17, (December 2016). He earned academic degrees at Keio University (B.A. 2002 and M.A. 2005), and Ph.D. in Political Science, Faculty of Law, Keio University, 2020. He was a Visiting Scholar at the Sigur Center for Asian Studies, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University in 2018-2019 and has been a Research Fellow at NIDS since 2011.