China has recently emerged as an influential actor in the global peace-making and also security-building process, especially in the Middle East. This is, obviously, a new phenomenon in the international arena while high-range competitions to gain global mastery were a historical note only between the USA and present Russia, once the then USSR. In March 2023, China intervened prominently in the Middle East theatre and successfully mediated a historic agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two classical regional rivals who had no diplomatic ties since 2016. This achievement has raised the question of whether China can be the global player for peace, and additional considerations, whether it can replace the United States, which has long been seen as the so-called dominant peacemaking role in the world.
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China’s Historic Precedence for Non-intervention and Pacifism
China’s involvement in peace mediation is not a new dimensional course, it has a long history of adhering to the principles of non-intervention and pacifism in its foreign policy, dating back to ancient times. China’s traditional culture and philosophy, influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, emphasize harmony, balance, and moderation in international relations. China’s political leaders, from the imperial dynasties to the modern Communist Party, have often invoked these values to justify their peaceful and cooperative approach to the world.
China’s non-intervention policy is based on the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states, and the rejection of the use of force or coercion to interfere in their internal affairs. China’s pacifism policy is based on the preference for dialogue and negotiation over confrontation and violence, and the pursuit of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation over zero-sum competition. These policies have shaped China’s stance on various international issues, such as the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the nuclear non-proliferation regime, and the UN peacekeeping operations.
China’s Rise as Peacemaker
However, China’s non-intervention and pacifism policies have also been challenged by the changing realities of the international system, especially the rise of the United States as the sole superpower after the end of the Cold War.
The US has often adopted a unilateral and interventionist approach to global affairs, using its military and economic might to impose its values and interests on other countries and shape the international order according to its own vision.
The US has also been involved in numerous wars and conflicts around the world, such as the Gulf War, the Kosovo War, the Iraq War, the Afghanistan War, and the War on Terror, which have caused immense human suffering and instability.
In contrast, China has maintained a pragmatic approach to global affairs, focusing on its own development and avoiding direct confrontation with the US. China has also increased its engagement and cooperation with other countries, especially in the developing world.
Through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, China aims to enhance regional connectivity and foster economic cooperation. China has also played a constructive role in resolving some of the most pressing international disputes, such as the Iranian nuclear issue, the North Korean nuclear issue, and the Syrian civil war.
The most notable example of China’s success as a peacemaker is the recent agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which was brokered by China in Beijing. The agreement, which was signed by the security officials of both countries and witnessed by China’s most senior diplomat Wang Yi, restored diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries, and pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and non-interference.
The agreement also implemented two bilateral agreements that were signed in 1998 and 2001, but never put into effect, on cooperation in various fields, such as economy, trade, investment, technology, science, culture, sports, and youth, and on security cooperation.
Chinese-mediated Iran and Saudi Detente can be a Global Model
The agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia is a significant breakthrough for the peace and stability of the Middle East, which has been plagued by sectarian violence, proxy wars, and external interventions for decades.
The agreement can also have positive implications for the wider region and the world, as it can reduce the tensions and conflicts that have threatened the security and interests of many countries, such as the war in Yemen, the rivalry in the Persian Gulf, the instability in Iraq and Syria, and the nuclear proliferation in the region.
The agreement can also serve as a global role model for peace mediation, as it demonstrates the effectiveness and feasibility of China’s approach to conflict resolution. China’s approach is based on the following principles and practices:
- Respect for the sovereignty and independence of the parties involved, and the recognition of their legitimate concerns and interests.
- Promotion of dialogue and consultation among the parties involved, and the provision of a neutral and friendly platform for communication and negotiation.
- Emphasis on the common interests and mutual benefits of the parties involved, and the exploration of win-win solutions and cooperation opportunities.
- Support for the implementation and follow-up of the agreement, and the provision of assistance and incentives for the parties involved.
Chinese Foreign Policy and Peace Model
The agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia also reflects the broader features and objectives of China’s foreign policy and peace model, which are based on the following concepts and values:
- Building a community with a shared future for mankind, which is China’s vision for a new type of international relations that is characterized by mutual respect, equality, justice, and win-win cooperation.
- Pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace, which is China’s consistent principle for conducting friendly and cooperative relations with other countries in line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.
- Upholding multilateralism and the international order, which is China’s commitment to safeguarding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and to supporting the role of the UN and other international organizations in global governance.
- Promoting common development and prosperity, which is China’s contribution to the global efforts to address the challenges of poverty, inequality, climate change, and public health, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Future Prospects of China Mediated Peace Deals
The agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter of peace and cooperation in the Middle East and beyond. China, as a responsible and constructive power, will continue to play an active and positive role in promoting peace and security in the region and the world.
China will also continue to work with other countries and international actors, such as the UN, the EU, Russia, and the US, to support the implementation and follow-up of the agreement, and to address the remaining and emerging issues in the region, such as the war in Yemen, the reconstruction in Syria, and the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear issue.
China will also seek to apply its experience and expertise in peace mediation to other regions and situations, where appropriate and welcomed by the parties concerned. China will also share its vision and model of peace with the international community, and explore new ways and mechanisms of cooperation and coordination with other peace mediators and stakeholders. China will also uphold its principles and values of non-intervention and pacifism, and respect the diversity and complexity of the world.
