In a recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and various Arab leaders, Xi reiterated the call for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and pledged increased humanitarian aid for Gaza. The China-Arab States Cooperation Forum opened with Xi emphasizing the need for a resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, citing the immense suffering endured by the people amidst escalating tensions. Xi proposed an international peace conference to address the Israel-Hamas war and announced a donation of $69 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza, along with a separate contribution to a United Nations agency aiding refugees.
The support for Palestinians in the conflict was evident, with Chinese and Arab states denouncing Israeli actions and expressing solidarity with Gaza. The summit, which brought together leaders from countries like the UAE, Bahrain, and Tunisia, aimed to strengthen economic ties and address security concerns related to ongoing conflicts in the region.
The importance of China’s economic engagement in the Middle East was underscored by Maria Papageorgiou, a politics and international relations lecturer, highlighting the country’s desire to expand trade partnerships and investments in areas like technology and cyber initiatives. Beyond economic interests, China seeks to position itself as a credible and non-interfering partner in the region, setting itself apart from Western powers.
Xi’s meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi led to the signing of cooperation agreements across various sectors like infrastructure and technology, signifying a commitment to deepening ties. Over the years, China has made substantial investments in Egyptian projects, further solidifying their bilateral relationship.
The China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, established in 2004, has been a key platform for dialogue between China and Arab nations. Through strategic financing and infrastructure development in countries like Tunisia, China has bolstered its trade relations and diplomatic presence in the region. The involvement of China in brokering agreements between regional powers, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, reflects its growing diplomatic role in the Middle East.
While China’s intervention in the Israel-Hamas conflict has drawn attention, experts remain cautious about the country’s potential impact as a peace broker. Despite its positive relations with various stakeholders, including Palestinians, Turkey, and Iran, China’s historical stance on the conflict and limited influence in the region pose challenges to its mediation efforts.
