China, a ‘want-to-be’ superpower

Context

Amidst the overshadowing conflict in Gaza and the subsequent strain on regional political dynamics in the Persian Gulf, the first anniversary of the China-mediated peace accord between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March 2023 went relatively unnoticed. The diplomatic focus and international attention remain captivated by the ongoing war in Gaza, underscoring the entanglement of various global actors and their vested interests in the region.

China's Mediation Efforts:

• Positive portrayal of Xi Jinping's effort: Chinese President Xi Jinping's efforts to facilitate détente between Saudi Arabia and Iran are portrayed positively in China's state-controlled media, emphasizing China's advocacy for peace in the Middle East.
• Endorsement of an international mediation organization: China endorses the establishment of an international mediation organization, backed by countries like Algeria, Pakistan, and Sudan, aiming to leverage its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to enhance its geopolitical influence.
• Cautious approach in regional conflicts: Despite its absence from the Red Sea crisis and cautious approach, China's involvement in regional mediation reflects its strategic interest in safeguarding its economic interests while projecting an image of a responsible international actor.

Geopolitical Aims and Challenges:

• Positioning as an alternative to Western interventionism: China seeks to position itself as an alternative to Western interventionism in the Middle East, aspiring to increase its geopolitical weight and challenge long-standing American influence.
• Selective support for the Palestinian cause: However, China's selective support for the Palestinian cause and its reluctance to condemn Hamas demonstrate challenges in its mediation diplomacy and navigating complex regional dynamics.
• Challenges in mediation diplomacy: China's cautious approach and limited involvement in high-stake conflicts reflect its risk-averse strategy and the absence of viable alternatives to Western-centric policies in the region.

China's Role as a Utilitarian Superpower:

• Displacement of American hegemony: China's approach to regional mediation underscores its aspirations to displace American hegemony without fully committing to replace it, positioning itself as a 'soft hegemon' rather than an assertive superpower.
• Perception of hollow mediation efforts: Despite its economic clout and strategic interests, China's mediation efforts are perceived as hollow, lacking substantive solutions to longstanding geopolitical flashpoints such as the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• Utilitarian status as a superpower: China's role in the Middle East highlights its utilitarian status as a superpower, where it remains a hedging option for regional actors while grappling with challenges in offering viable alternatives to Western-centric policies.