How China is using this war to deepen influence in West Asia
China's involvement in the Gaza conflict aligns with its broader diplomatic strategy
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Reuters
In a significant development, China has officially entered the Gaza conflict, hosting a crucial meeting with major regional players from West Asia. Beijing aims to play the role of a mediator in a bid to de-escalate the conflict, protect civilians and address the humanitarian crisis. The Chinese government has entrusted its top diplomat, Wang Yi, with this important mission.
China’s call for ceasefire and broader ambitions
China is not merely seeking an end to the Israel-Hamas war; it is leveraging the situation to deepen its influence in West Asia and challenge US dominance in the region. As the US faces criticism for its support of Israel, China sees an opportunity to position itself as a key player in regional conflicts. China hosted a two-day meeting with key regional players and Muslim countries to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict. Attendees included Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia and the Palestinian National Authority, among others. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), representing 57 Islamic countries, was also present. The collective goal is to build pressure on Israel and achieve an immediate ceasefire.
Arab world’s plea for China’s support
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister strongly condemned the Israeli attacks emphasizing the need for international action to address the humanitarian crisis. Egypt’s foreign minister called for a “stronger role” for China in stopping the attacks expressing frustration with countries that support Israel.
“We are still facing serious developments and a serious humanitarian crisis – or a (indistinct word) humanitarian disaster rather – that requires effective international action to address it and confront it, including the ongoing violations by Israeli forces. We condemn the military aggression witnessed in the Gaza Strip. We stress the need to stop this war and forced displacement, as well as to create conditions for the return of stability and for achieving peace,” said Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud.
China’s diplomatic moves
China’s involvement in the Gaza conflict aligns with its broader diplomatic strategy. Earlier this year, China brokered a truce between Saudi Arabia and Iran, normalising ties after seven years of strained relations. Last month, China dispatched a special envoy to the region, reinforcing its diplomatic presence. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed China’s commitment to making unremitting efforts, along with Arab and Islamic countries, to push for an early ceasefire and an end to the war in Gaza.
China’s active role in the Gaza conflict signifies a setback for US, whose influence in the region is diminishing. The conflict exposes America’s limitations and prompts requests for China’s intervention in other Middle East tensions. The shifting dynamics suggest that West Asian powers are increasingly turning to China for diplomatic solutions, eroding the trust in the US to handle regional conflicts effectively.
China’s strategic move in the Gaza conflict reflects its broader ambitions to reshape power dynamics in West Asia and challenge the traditional influence of the United States. The outcome of China’s mediation efforts remains uncertain, but the geopolitical landscape is undeniably undergoing a significant transformation.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.