Israel’s war on Gaza: The view from China | The Bottom Line

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Steve Clemens explores China's growing influence in the Middle East and its potential role as a peacemaker in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Wang Hu Yao, President of the Center for China and Globalization, highlights China's diplomatic efforts, including its success in facilitating the Iran-Saudi Arabia agreement. Yao emphasizes China's commitment to humanitarian aid, advocating for a ceasefire, and the importance of the two-state solution. The conversation also touches on China's global role, its economic initiatives, and its approach to mediating international conflicts, showcasing China's increasing soft power and its desire for a more peaceful and stable world.

Takeaways

• 🌏 China's growing influence in the Middle East is evident, with its recent success in mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia, a role traditionally played by the United States.
• 🏖️ The ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel has seen China positioning itself as a less biased mediator, criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza and supporting Palestinian resistance against oppression.
• 🔊 China has been vocal about its disapproval of violence and civilian casualties in the conflict, advocating for a ceasefire and increased international humanitarian efforts.
• 💡 China's diplomatic approach emphasizes the need for a two-state solution and adherence to UN resolutions to fundamentally resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• 🤔 The script suggests a perceived hypocrisy in the U.S. stance, with a close relationship to Israel that may cloud its objectivity in the conflict.
• 📈 China's economic growth and global trade influence have increased its soft power, providing a foundation for it to play a more significant role in global diplomacy.
• 🤝 China's willingness to engage with all parties involved in conflicts, as demonstrated by its interactions with Middle Eastern countries, positions it as a credible mediator.
• 💰 China has pledged financial aid (500 million RMB) for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, reflecting its commitment to alleviating the crisis.
• 🔄 The discussion highlights the potential for international institutions like the UN to be more effective in conflict resolution, with suggestions to strengthen peacekeeping forces.
• 🌐 The script touches on the global infrastructure initiatives by various countries, with China viewing them as positive developments that could complement its own Belt and Road Initiative.
• 🔄 The conversation also addresses the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with China expressing its potential role as a mediator and the importance of dialogue and negotiation for peace.

Q & A

What role has China played in the Middle East recently?

China has been expanding its economic footprint and has shown a willingness to mediate conflicts in the Middle East, such as the recent agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which was seen as a significant diplomatic achievement.

How does China view the conflict between Israel and Palestine?

China has criticized Israel for actions that go beyond self-defense and has supported the Palestinian right to resist oppression. It has presented itself as a less biased mediator compared to Western powers.

What is Dr. Wang Hu Yao's perspective on the current situation in Gaza?

Dr. Wang Hu Yao expresses disappointment and dismay at the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing China's desire for a ceasefire and peacemaking efforts.

How does China's approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict differ from the United States'?

China has taken a more critical stance towards Israel's actions and has called for a two-state solution and adherence to UN resolutions, in contrast to the United States' perceived close ties and bias towards Israel.

What actions has China taken to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza?

China has pledged 500 million RMB for humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza and has called for the opening of all channels and rescue packages to improve the situation.

What is the significance of China's involvement in mediating the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran?

China's successful mediation in normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran demonstrates its growing soft power and influence in the Middle East, traditionally seen as the domain of the United States.

How does Dr. Wang Hu Yao view the potential for international institutions to resolve conflicts like the one in Gaza?

Dr. Wang Hu Yao believes that international institutions, particularly the UN and its Security Council, could do more to resolve conflicts. He suggests the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces and the implementation of a two-state solution as potential measures.

What is China's stance on the recent global infrastructure initiatives proposed by other countries?

China views these initiatives positively and is open to collaboration. It believes in combining efforts and utilizing development banks to address global infrastructure deficits rather than working in uncoordinated directions.

How does Dr. Wang Hu Yao perceive the role of BRICS in global problem-solving?

Dr. Wang Hu Yao sees BRICS as a representation of economic globalization and a counterbalance to security-focused alliances. He believes that BRICS countries, despite their differences, share a common interest in economic development and prosperity.

What is China's position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

China has called for respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and has expressed its willingness to mediate and help find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

How does Dr. Wang Hu Yao assess the effectiveness of the United Nations in resolving global conflicts?

He finds it absurd that the UN Security Council, established as a cornerstone of world peace, struggles to resolve regional conflicts like the one in Gaza. He advocates for strengthening the UN's implementing power and the active deployment of peacekeeping forces.