There are two points: can China influence the crisis situation in the Middle East?

China has announced its intention to “establish peace in the Palestinian territories” / Channel 24 Collage (photo: Getty Images)

China has declared its intention to “establish peace in the Palestinian territories.” Beijing's voice will be listened to, but it is unlikely to become decisive.

This opinion was voiced by international security expert Taras Zhovtenko to Channel 24 . According to him, Beijing is taking a systematic approach to establishing contacts with the Arab Shiite world.

China's influence on the Middle East

Taras Zhovtenko noted that there are two points to the issue of Chinese influence. China, in parallel with the United States, tried to establish ties with Saudi Arabia. To some extent, Beijing succeeded in this.

Beijing is taking a fairly systematic approach to establishing contacts with the Arab Shiite world. At least at the level of semi-official contacts. I think the Chinese voice will be listened to. It is clear that it is unlikely to be decisive, but it will be a factor that will take into account at least part of the Arab world, he believes.

On the other hand, China officially appeals to the UN Security Council, which is paralyzed primarily by Russia’s position. It can be predicted that it will also be blocked from making constructive decisions regarding the war between Hamas and Israel.

“China is also trying to play the card of its influence on the Putin regime. It makes it clear to the United States, especially before the meeting with President Joe Biden, that China can play a constructive role, influence regimes that pose threats to regional and international security not only in the European political theater, but and in the Middle East,” Zhovtenko said.

China is unlikely to make a huge effort, according to an international security expert. After all, for Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the main thing is to show himself as an equal player on the political chessboard.

Meeting between Biden and Xi: the main thing

• US President Joe Biden announced his intention to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in June 2023.
• On October 25, Xi Jinping sent a letter to the National Committee on US-China Relations, headquartered in New York. The President of the People's Republic of China said that he was ready to cooperate with the United States and called on the States for more stable bilateral ties.
• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived on a visit to Washington, where he met with the US leader to prepare for the meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping. It is known that the negotiations lasted for one hour.
• Joe Biden and Xi Jinping will meet during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will take place November 11-17 in San Francisco.