Context

The first anniversary of the China-brokered détente between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March 2023 passed without much fanfare.

China’s Diplomatic Triumph in Middle East Mediation

• China’s Diplomatic Mediation in the Middle East: This served as a diplomatic triumph for China which aimed to showcase its significant influence in the Middle East region through this mediation effort.
• Role of International Actors: The conflict in Gaza has engulfed nearly all regional political and diplomatic entities throughout the Persian Gulf, shedding light on the core interests of international actors amid its aftermath.
• Role of China in Mediation: China’s stance firmly supports Palestine, consistent with its historical position on the matter, leading to strained relations with Israel.

Map of Middle East

China’s Aim to Establish an International Mediation Organisation (IMO) Linked to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

• Establishment of China Backed IMO: In early 2023, China endorsed the plan to set up a new China-backed international mediation organisation (IMO) headquartered in Hong Kong.
  • According to reports, Algeria, Belarus, Cambodia, Djibouti, Indonesia, Laos, Pakistan, Serbia and Sudan were signatories to the initial statement as a preparatory office was launched for IMO.
  • Through this mediation initiative, China wants to portray itself as having the aim to maintain peace across the world. 
• Linking IMO with BRI: The Chinese establishment hopes to link the mediation initiative to its expansive economic corridor, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
  • The BRI has extensive membership in West Asia as well, with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE among others being part of China’s economic highways.

Global Hegemon/SuperPower

• Role of US as a Global Hegemon: The US has played the role of a hegemon or superpower which has the economic or military capability as well as it has the will power to take actions for restoring peace around the world.
  • However, China’s economic or military capability is not as strong as the US.
  • The US has a greater number of military bases in the Middle East than China.
• China’s Absence in the Red Sea Crisis: The US launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to address security challenges in the Red Sea due to Houthi Rebels.
  • In contrast, China did not take any action to stop Houthi rebels and establish peace.
• Focus on Self Interest rather than Collective Interest: It focuses more on its self interests rather than the collective global interests.

Conclusion

• Thus, China’s diplomatic strategy is primarily aimed to safeguard its own interests rather than actively engage as a prominent power seeking to leverage its position to facilitate peace or a ceasefire in the crisis. 
• The bulk of such significant diplomatic efforts still largely rests with the United States.