The China and Arab Leaders’ Summit, held amid the tumultuous backdrop of the Gaza crisis, underscores China’s expanding influence in the Middle East and highlights its potential role as a mediator in one of the region’s most enduring conflicts. Historically, China’s involvement in the Middle East has been driven by economic interests, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative. However, the escalating violence in Gaza has propelled China to assume a more proactive diplomatic stance. This brief reflects on the strategic motivations behind China’s engagement with Arab leaders during this summit, examining how Beijing’s policies and initiatives could contribute to resolving the Gaza crisis. By analyzing China’s historical ties with both Israel and Palestine, the summit with Arab leaders, its recent diplomatic efforts, and its broader geopolitical aspirations. This brief also aims to elucidate China’s emerging role as a peace broker in the Middle East.
On 30 May 2024 during a summit with Arab leaders in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and promised more humanitarian aid for people in Gaza as he opened a summit with leaders of Arab states. He also called for an international peace conference to resolve the Israel-Hamas war and pledged 500 million yuan ($69 million) in humanitarian aid for Gaza. He also vowed to provide $3 million to a UN agency that helps and relieves refugees from the Israel-Hamas war. Since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, and the subsequent Israeli strikes on Gaza, Beijing has positioned itself as a peace advocate, calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state while criticizing the US’ support for Israel.
China’s Stance Since October 7
Following the events of October 7, China condemned the attack but refrained from labeling Hamas as a terrorist organization, much to Israel’s dismay. This stance is a sharp contrast to the stand of the United States and its allies. Chinese President Xi Jinping publicly addressed the crisis for the first time on 19 October during the Belt and Road Forum. In a meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Xi advocated for a permanent cease-fire and emphasized the danger of further escalation. In its initial statement following Hamas’ attacks, China called for a de-escalation of tensions and shared its support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and a two-state solution. Neither Xi Jinping nor Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited the Middle East after the October 7 attacks. Initially, China adopted a more balanced position compared to the U.S., but it maintained a pro-Palestinian stance in the days following Israel’s invasion of Gaza. China refrained from condemning Hamas’ October 7 attacks, but labeled the Israeli response as “collective punishment against civilians”. This highlights an attempt to maintain a delicate balance and sustain its influence in the region.
China’s Stake in The Middle East
Attaining a two-state solution was a major requirement for justice in the Middle East at China’s large-scale international conference on Middle East security and stability in 2021. Washington’s renewed interest and business in the Middle East gives Beijing more opportunity to consolidate its supremacy in the Indo-Pacific region. China is also concerned that the conflict’s spread will have an impact on its economic interests, political gains, and regional dominance in the Middle East. China has no direct political authority or influence over Israel’s war on Gaza. China consistently voices political support for ending the conflict and highlighting the West’s alleged bias against the Palestinian people, which in turn also strengthens its ties with Islamic and Middle Eastern countries.
China’s stance on Palestine is not as overtly anti-Israel. However, it maintains its historically rooted pro-Palestinian policies. At the same time, China is cultivating significant economic relationships with Israel. China’s main priorities in the region are economic. It aims to build on the momentum gained in recent years with Gulf states and expand investments, especially in areas like trade, technology (including 5G networks), and cybersecurity. China positions itself in the region as an alternative to the West, presenting itself as a reliable partner that respects national sovereignty and avoids meddling in the domestic affairs of the Middle Eastern countries. China will also not want to antagonize the US even more as the relations between China and the West have already faced significant tension because of China’s support to Russia in its war with Ukraine. China has a vested interest in avoiding a confrontation between the US and Iran, given its status as a major oil consumer, which would lead to price hikes. China is more interested in being involved in the resolution of the Israel-Gaza conflict but does not have the capability to speed up the process. Beijing is wary of escalating conflicts in regions since these areas are crucial for international trade routes and China’s energy security, as seen with current threats in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea. Therefore, China is making efforts to stop the war and prevent its spread. However, Israel’s determination and willingness to continue the conflict, even in the face of significant casualties, could lead to the opening of additional fronts.
There are reasons behind Beijing wanting to avoid challenging Israel directly. China has made significant investments in several Middle Eastern countries, including Israel. Between 1995 and 2022, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Israel averaged $14.28 billion, with a peak of $112 billion in the third quarter of 2021. Since 2002, China has increased its average annual investment in Israel, rising from $20 million to more than $200 million. Many of these investments are tied to the Belt and Road Initiative. These included data center improvement partnerships with energy and telecom companies, such as the one signed by Huawei and Israel’s Zing Energy. Aside from that, many multimillion-dollar partnerships, such as the $300 million arrangement between the Israeli ColorChip company and Chinese companies, demonstrate the two countries’ mutual dependency.
China has continued to manage diplomacy with Israel while maintaining commercial links. This is especially impressive given that Israel has been under increasing pressure from the United States, its security guarantee, to reduce its relationship with China. However, recent developments have forced China to reconsider its Middle East policy and choose its actions more carefully. China’s Middle East policy is primarily built on the Belt and Road Initiative and financial investments, as well as the maintenance of these investments through diplomatic means. For this reason, Chinese foreign policy aims to increase diplomacy and mediation in Middle Eastern issues. The most recent example was the reopening of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran after seven years, mediated by China.
In the early weeks of the crisis, Beijing communicated with his colleagues in the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority (PA), as well as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Russia, and the United States. Through these meetings, Beijing intends to position itself publicly during the crisis. Although Beijing and Washington both have an interest in preventing conflict in the Middle East, there appears to be almost no cooperation between the two sides during the crisis. At the United Nations, the United States and China have also reached a crossroads. On 22 March 2024, China along with Russia vetoed a U.S.-sponsored draft resolution for favoring Israel and failing to call for an immediate, permanent cease-fire. Even as China has increased its diplomatic footprint in the Middle East, it has not pushed to take a leadership role in the ongoing struggle in Gaza.
The China and Arab Leaders’ Summit represents a significant shift in global diplomatic dynamics, with China stepping into a role traditionally dominated by Western powers. As the Gaza crisis continues to challenge international peace efforts, China’s involvement offers a new factor to conflict resolution strategies in the Middle East. While China’s primary interests remain economically driven, its growing diplomatic initiatives signify a deeper commitment to regional stability. Moving forward, China’s ability to balance its relationships with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities will be crucial.
– Tahia Afra Jannati is a Research Intern at the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA).