China fears instability in the Middle East

"You ask me about China's national interest in the Middle East conflict? I say: no unrest, no escalation in the region!" says Li Guofu, a Middle East expert at the pro-government Beijing-based think tank China Institute of International Studies (CIIS).  

Li adds that China absolutely needs a peaceful and stable world to be able to continue on its development path: "The unrest in the Middle East not only affects the normal life of the people there, it also has a very negative impact on the stability of the whole world, thus harming China's rise."

After the recent flare-up began, Beijing called for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. Indeed, the People's Republic of China, which holds the presidency of the UN Security Council this month, tried several times – together with other nations – to have a resolution passed to this effect. However, its attempts failed due to opposition from the United States.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also reiterated the need for dialogue with the objective of achieving a two-state solution. Since then, of course, an Egypt-brokered truce has come into effect and has so far held.

China's economic interests in the Middle East

The Middle East plays an important role in China's economy and energy security, supplying about half of the nation's oil and gas needs. Container ships transporting goods worth billions of euros between China and Europe have to pass through the Suez Canal.

"The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the core problem of the region," said political analyst Li Guofu. "As long as there isn't a full, just and long-lasting solution to this conflict, the unrest will not stop. That has negative implications for economic cooperation between China and many states in the region."

Israel, meanwhile, is a key player in Beijing's global economic strategy. Since establishing formal diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992, Beijing has nurtured close economic, technological and military ties, including the purchase of early-model Israeli drones. The two nations also co-operate closely on research and technology.

Furthermore, Israel plays a significant role in China's Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese investors are also involved in port expansion projects, as well as in a planned railway line between Eilat on the Red Sea and Ashdod, located to the south of Tel Aviv. The railway construction project, however, is currently on hold.

According to China's Ministry of Commerce, China–Israel trade increased by nearly 19 per cent in 2020 to about $17.5 billion (€14.3 billion), while commerce with Palestinian territories amounted to $100 million.

Paying lip service to the Palestinians?

Bao Hsiu-Ping, a Middle East expert at Taiwan's National Chi Nan University, says that while China has for decades officially been on the side of the Palestinians, Beijing's support is largely limited to the verbal. At most, he says, China has supplied a small amount of minor weapons.

"Due to the Israeli government's active campaign in Chinese media and universities, at least part of the Chinese population is now on Israel's side," he says.

At a recent press briefing at the Chinese Foreign Ministry, an Al-Jazeera journalist asked why Beijing had not unequivocally condemned Israel's military action in Gaza. Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian replied, "Very few people think China does not clearly criticise Israel."

China condemns violence against civilians, he said, adding: "Israel, in particular, should restrain itself and stop using violence, intimidation and provocation."

Political analyst Bao does not expect the Chinese to play a more active role in the Middle East conflict. "China's interests there are focused on economic relations. Above all, oil supplies and shipping routes should not be disrupted. With regard to other issues, China will officially stick to its principle of non-interference," he said.

China's attempt to cultivate a positive image

Beijing stresses that its position on the Middle East conflict is based on values, in contrast to that of the United States. In China's view, the U.S. stands ready to fuel the tension, rather than taking proactive measures to stop the conflict between Palestinians and Israel.

The Foreign Ministry has also castigated the U.S. for blocking a statement in the United Nations Security Council condemning the violence.

"The U.S. has been isolated at the Security Council unprecedentedly and is standing on the opposite side of mankind's conscience and morality," spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, according to the official English translation on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website.

"China upholds international fairness and justice, while the U.S. only cares about its own interests. The U.S. position is dictated by its closeness with relevant sides," the statement added.

Analyst Li Guofu believes that Washington's position in the current conflict could jeopardise its goal of regaining an international leadership position. He said that it is also leading to a divide between the U.S. and the European Union, where, he added, the death of large numbers of Palestinians is not accepted.

Li noted that this growing gap would be advantageous for China. "As long as Beijing continues to stand up for the basic rights of Palestinians at international level, it will enhance China's image, while America's will be damaged."

Mu Cui with additional reporting by Tzung-Han Tsou

© dw.com/Qantara.de 2021

This article was translated from German.