With the Arab countries and the international community praising the historic rapprochement between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran after years of tensions, the agreement brokered by China has been met with cautious optimism by some international actors and particularly so by the United States, which has remained a major player in the Middle Eastern region.
The breakthrough is going to have significant implications for the Middle East and the world and it also sheds light on Beijing’s growing influence on the world stage. The two nations have been bitter rivals for decades, with their longstanding geopolitical tensions seen to have been fueling conflicts across the region. However, recent diplomatic efforts by China have shown signs of a thaw in their relations, and this is largely attributed to Beijing’s constructive role in the process.
China’s influence in the Middle East has only grown in recent times as is evident from its burgeoning economic ties with the region, especially its massive investments in infrastructure projects, which have made it a crucial partner for many countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and Iran.
A reduction in tensions between the two nations is expected to help ease the conflicts in Yemen and Syria, and could potentially pave the way for a wider regional peace.
The Chinese government has emphasized the importance of regional stability and cooperation, and has encouraged all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution of their differences. The agreement came after talks hosted by China between the two countries from March 6 through March 10, according to a communique released by the three nations. China has termed the historic rapprochement a “victory” for peace and regional stability.
By engaging with all sides of the conflict, China has shown that it can be a constructive player in the Middle East, and this has not been received well in the West. The United States has expressed its cautious optimism and has said it was aware of reports that Iran and Saudi Arabia have restored diplomatic relations.
According to the White House’s National Security Council, “Generally speaking, we welcome any efforts to help end the war in Yemen and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East region. De-escalation and diplomacy together with deterrence are key pillars of the policy President Biden outlined during his visit to the region last year.”
The United Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference have praised the agreement and have called a step forward to ending the ME conflicts. This emphasis is on dialogue and diplomacy has helped create an environment conducive to the recent rapprochement. Beijing’s plan of ending war in Ukraine also speaks of the same diplomatic spirit to engage in negotiations to iron out differences.
China’s constructive role in the process has been instrumental in bringing the two sides to the negotiating table and helping to bridge their differences.
As the Middle Eastern region and the world as a whole continue to grapple with a host of complex challenges, the importance of dialogue and diplomacy cannot be overstated, and China’s approach provides a promising model for other nations to follow.
