Chinese President Xi Jinping has played a significant role in the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as per a senior Chinese diplomat. Wang Di, director of the foreign ministry’s Department of West Asian and North African Affairs, revealed in an interview with People’s Daily that China is prepared to take on a greater role as a mediator in the Middle East.
Wang accused certain large countries outside the region of causing long-term instability in the Middle East for their own self-interest, without directly naming the United States. The resolution of the Iran-Saudi diplomatic rift, which lasted seven years, is being seen as a testament to China’s growing ambitions in the region beyond economic activities. Wang also stated that China is ready to mediate other conflicts in the area.
Xi Jinping’s efforts in fostering friendly relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran have been acknowledged by Middle Eastern countries, who now view China as a trustworthy and fair mediator. China’s impartial stance and strong business ties in the region have helped to build this trust. Wang announced that China is committed to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as development, prosperity, unity, and self-improvement.
Just two weeks ago, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang expressed his country’s readiness to facilitate peace talks between Israel and Palestine. China has also proposed solutions to various conflicts in the Middle East, including an end to the war in Syria and a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
With the reopening of embassies in each other’s capitals imminent, China’s increased involvement in the Middle East has attracted the attention of smaller nations in the region, such as the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
As reported by the South China Morning Post, Jean-Loup Samaan, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute, has noted a marked change in China’s approach to the Middle East. Samaan highlights the increasing ambition and scope of China’s recent engagements in the region. He emphasizes that China’s involvement, which was once primarily driven by business interests, has undergone a significant transformation, with the nation now demonstrating a heightened political ambition.
As China’s role in the Middle East expands, countries in the region are increasingly looking to Beijing for economic and diplomatic opportunities. It is expected that China will continue to strengthen its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, with smaller Gulf states potentially moving closer to Beijing.
