HE Nixiang

Brief description: 

The Middle East, a region with frequent conflicts, is significantly shaped by the relations between Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Israel. These countries have deep-rooted animosities, driven by religious, geopolitical, and security differences. However, China’s successful mediation of the restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March 2023 has highlighted China’s growing role in Middle Eastern conflict resolution.At the same time, the potential for Saudi-Israeli diplomatic relations has gained international attention, with the Palestinian issue acting as the main obstacle. China’s economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Israel is also expanding, increasing its influence in the region, especially amid U.S.-China tensions. China’s mediation diplomacy, based on non-interference, multilateral cooperation, and a “win-win” development philosophy, differs from Western models. This approach has been well-received in the Middle East, focusing on economic and developmental cooperation to foster peace.This paper will analyze the uniqueness of China’s mediation diplomacy, using case studies of Saudi-Iran relations and Afghanistan to explore its applicability in complex conflicts, particularly Saudi-Israeli relations. The aim is to provide new insights into conflict resolution and contribute to international relations theory.