How China could shape future of the Middle East

Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, including the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, have exposed the fragility of the US-led international order and Western double standards like never before. It’s hard to understate the gravity of the situation, underscoring the need for urgent international intervention.

Multiple Israeli scholars, human rights organisations and political leaders are publicly warning of unprecedented atrocities. Even former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert, a past member of the incumbent Likud party, has warned of war crimes and “the transformation of Gaza into a humanitarian disaster area”. Amid the starvation of Palestinians, experts are raising the alarm about the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians.

Yet the United States and key European powers still firmly back Israel, insisting on its “self-defence” following the horrific October 7 attacks. Meanwhile, there is deepening fear of a renewed and more devastating military confrontation between Israel and Iran, which would have dire consequences for regional security and the world’s energy supply.

In short, the world is desperately seeking alternative leadership to uphold a rules-based international order. By and large, China has not involved itself in any of the Middle East conflicts. Rather, Beijing has condemned the actions of Western governments while expressing support for diplomacy.

But given its immense network of influence, due to burgeoning trade and defence ties with key nations across the Middle East and beyond, China is in a unique position to leverage its global clout to push for a more constructive solution that prevents major wars and mitigates human suffering.

As the world’s second-largest economic and military power, as well as the top trading partner of many countries, China is in a prime position to play a vital role in global politics. Despite touting a rules-based international order, the West has started or failed to prevent multiple simultaneous conflicts in the Middle East.

South China Morning Post