On November 17, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held in San Francisco, California, USA.
Carlos Barria | Reuters
One analyst said China’s restrained silence on conflicts in the Middle East is tilting the balance of regional influence back in favor of the United States.
Julien Barnes-Dacey, director of the European Council’s Middle East and North Africa program, said: “(Beijing’s) role has been less pronounced than many expected, and I actually think it has weakened China’s role in the region. Growing influence and confidence.
“In effect, what we are seeing is the dominance of the United States and Iran in trying to shape dynamics and change the security environment in ways that impact the economy and energy markets.”
Last week, world leaders begged China to use its considerable influence as a major trading partner to prevent Tehran from launching a direct attack on Israel after an Israeli strike killed several senior Iranian commanders in Damascus.
On Saturday, Iran first seized a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming ties to Israel, and then launched more than 300 drones and missiles into the Jewish state’s territory. With help from the United States, Britain, France and Jordan, Israel has eliminated about 99% of such warheads.
Since then, the specter of Israeli retaliation and wider conflict in the Middle East has grown, with Washington underscoring its commitment to Israel’s defense and world leaders urging calm.
Beijing has so far expressed “deep concern” about the hostilities but has stopped short of condemning Iran or taking an active role in mediation.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs “calls on all parties concerned to maintain calm and restraint and prevent further escalation of the situation.” said in a statement on Sunday The statement described the attack as “the latest spread of the conflict in Gaza” and called on “the international community, especially influential countries, to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.”
The statement made no mention of Beijing’s status as the largest remaining buyer of Iran’s U.S.-sanctioned crude exports and a partner in the China-led BRICS emerging markets alliance. It demonstrated this diplomatic clout last March when it brokered the resumption of long-feuding diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
“Many people expect them to play a more important role in the Middle East in the future. But since the outbreak of the Gaza war, we have not seen (China) become more active in the diplomatic or security dynamics of the Middle East,” Barnes-Dancy said. , and Beijing has not intervened to stop maritime attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen that have disrupted global trade in the Red Sea.
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