China’s historical support for the Palestinian cause, rooted in its alignment with Maoism and liberation movements in the 1960s and 1970s, marked a pivotal era when Beijing armed and trained groups like the PLO
Israel’s attacks on Gaza continue relentlessly, with indiscriminate strikes affecting civilians and even hospitals, regardless of time or location. The support of the US, Britain, Germany, and France under the banner of “Israel’s self-defense,” coupled with US arms backing after Hamas rocket attacks, has emboldened Israel in its assault on Gaza.
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Former US President Barack Obama emphasized the right of Palestinian children to grow up in their own homeland. Despite the current administration’s foreign policy goals of promoting democracy and human rights, President Joe Biden’s unequivocal alignment with Israel, along with the dissemination of later retracted misinformation about Hamas, is surprising.
Chinese Foreign Minister’s phone call diplomacy in play
In the midst of this conflict, China has indeed taken on a notable mediation role. China, a key player in Middle East politics, previously successfully mediated between Saudi Arabia and Iran. They have expressed a strong interest in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian issue, emphasizing their support for an independent Palestine.
In a recent phone conversation between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Wang Yi expressed China’s deep concern over the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict and the significant toll on civilians. He highlighted the need for collective efforts to prevent further violence and establish lasting peace. While recognizing the right to self-defense, Wang stressed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilian lives.
The conflict, which began on October 7, has led to a tragic loss of life, with over 1,400 casualties in the Hamas-initiated assault. Israel responded with a relentless barrage on Gaza, resulting in devastating consequences for the enclave’s 2.3 million inhabitants, with casualties surpassing 7,000 in just two weeks.
China, through its special envoy Zhai Jun, is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts in the region, advocating for dialogue, a ceasefire, and the restoration of peace. During discussions with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, China voiced solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemned attacks on hospitals and schools as clear violations of international law. They urgently called for an end to the bloodshed and displacement and reiterated their support for a two-state solution. China’s role in mediating this conflict is indeed significant and demonstrates their commitment to promoting peace in the region.
China urges UN Security Council to act effectively
While the United Nations Security Council grapples with finding consensus on a resolution, Wang urged the body to shoulder its responsibility effectively. He further emphasized the need for objectivity and impartiality, especially among major powers. The Security Council’s previous attempts at a ceasefire resolution were met with a U.S. veto, underscoring the complexities of international consensus in this dire situation.
In light of the Security Council’s impasse, the UN General Assembly has announced a special emergency session on the conflict. President of the General Assembly, Dennis Francis, emphasized the imperative for the Assembly to take decisive action when the Security Council faces challenges.
With all these factors looming, it’s now evident that China maintains open communication with both parties. Israel and the US are primarily focused on containing the conflict to the Israel-Palestine region and suppressing Hamas. Israel’s apprehension regarding potential Hezbollah involvement looms, while the US has expressed reluctance towards war with Iran.
Given the loss of credibility in US and Western mediation, China is poised to step in. Their established relationships and investments in both Israel and Palestine position them as a key mediator. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s statement at the UN Security Council reinforces the intent to collaborate with China in managing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Reason behind the interest of playing the mediator role
China’s burgeoning interest in the Palestinian issue is underpinned by motives that seamlessly align with Beijing’s overarching regional and global objectives. Firstly, China seeks to capitalize on its successful mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran to extend the mantle of regional peace over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Safeguarding its burgeoning Middle Eastern investments is a strategic imperative, and conflict mitigation serves this agenda.
Secondly, China aspires to claim a prominent global role in economic peacemaking. Any substantial strides toward resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict would bolster its image as a diplomatic heavyweight, a core aim of its Global Security Initiative. Thirdly, China endeavors to deflect and counter Western pressure on contentious issues such as Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Ukraine by underscoring the significance of an issue equally complex and weighty.
Crucially, the last two objectives don’t hinge on Chinese mediation culminating in a definitive resolution to the protracted Palestinian struggle for statehood. China can advance its goals by adroitly positioning itself as a stalwart advocate of diplomacy and mediation.
However, it is vital to remember that, despite China’s growing enthusiasm, the likelihood of it spearheading a substantial peace process remains uncertain, despite the regional diplomatic trend in the Middle East.
Roadblock waits for China in mediation effort
China’s mediation efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict face a daunting challenge due to Israel’s steadfast government, driven by religious and ethno-nationalist objectives. Israel’s entrenched occupation, bolstered by a robust military and population control system, remains resistant to diplomatic pressure and incentives.
Unlike the Saudi-Iran dispute, this conflict involves an occupier and an occupied population, with Israel pushing toward the annexation of Palestinian territory, rendering the two-state solution increasingly improbable.
China’s ability to make substantive progress in this conflict remains uncertain, but its persistent involvement could reshape dynamics and challenge the existing order. China’s growing interest in the Palestinian issue has important implications, particularly as the U.S.-led Abraham Accords have isolated the Palestinians. In this context, the Palestinians see China as a counterbalance to perceived U.S. bias in favor of Israel.
While the Palestinian Authority relies on the U.S. and its allies for economic support, mounting pressure from Washington, including aid reductions, has increased the need for Chinese economic and developmental assistance. China’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has the potential to influence the balance of power and diplomatic dynamics in the region.
Can it repeat the Iran-Saudi success in Israel-Palestine?
In addition to all of these, the trajectory of Sino-Israeli economic ties presents challenges to China’s leverage and influence with the Israeli government. While China is Israel’s third-largest global trading partner, U.S. pressure on Israel to reduce ties with Beijing has disrupted this trend. Israel’s exports to China stagnated at approximately $4.5 billion between 2018 and 2022, and imports from China remained at $10.5 billion between 2018 and 2021.
Nonetheless, Beijing is likely to persist in its mediation efforts as it aligns with its own strategic interests, even if immediate outcomes remain elusive. The success of China’s mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia serves as a case in point, emerging from a lengthy process of both nations reassessing their enmity and weighing its impact on their true interests, fostered by painstaking negotiations in Baghdad.
However, the Palestinian-Israeli issue presents a distinct challenge, with the requisite circumstances for a diplomatic coup not currently evident. Nevertheless, China’s enduring commitment to mediation remains a potential force for transformation in this enduring conflict, an endeavor consistent with its broader global agenda.
China’s historical support for the Palestinian cause, rooted in its alignment with Maoism and liberation movements in the 1960s and 1970s, marked a pivotal era when Beijing armed and trained groups like the PLO. This solidarity shifted in the 1980s with China’s less radical approach, culminating in the establishment of full diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992.
