China Has Done Its Best for Mideast Peace, Expert Says
Summary
- China cannot influence Iran's decisions or change its behavior; it can only persuade and offer advice, as it is "only a normal country" without determinative power.
- China has maintained extensive diplomatic communication with regional parties, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, and Pakistan, via foreign minister Wang Yi's calls over the past two months.
- The Middle East peace process is a multilateral effort; contributions from Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan are emphasized alongside China's role.
- Iran is an independent actor that does not follow external orders, historically evidenced by the 1979 revolution against U.S. influence.
- Significant uncertainties remain with non-state actors like Hezbollah in Lebanon and groups in Yemen potentially restarting the war, beyond U.S. or Iranian control.
- China and the U.S. share common ground on ending the war, which could enhance bilateral consensus and opportunities for cooperation.
- Military guarantees are ineffective for security; the speaker cites the Strait of Hormuz closure by Iran using drones and missiles despite U.S. military presence.
- China's role is as a diplomatic stabilizer, but it cannot manage crises alone and requires international collaboration for effective peacebuilding.
- A potential China-U.S. summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump may be influenced by the Iran situation, but the shared goal of stability offers a positive outlook.
- China vetoed a U.N. Security Council proposal from Gulf Arab states to militarize the region, advocating for diplomatic and political solutions over military escalation.
