An agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to reestablish diplomatic relations has cast China in a leading role in Middle Eastern politics - a part previously reserved for longtime global heavyweights like the U.S. and Russia. It's another sign that...
Under strongman leader Xi Jinping, Chinese diplomacy has become known for angry outbursts against the West, threats against Taiwan, aggressive moves in the South China Sea and a refusal to condemn Russia over Ukraine.
China’s economic interests increasingly draw it into conflicts far from its shores. It’s by far the biggest customer for Middle Eastern energy exports, while the U.S. has reduced its need for imports as the country shifts toward energy independence. In a statement Saturday, China’s Foreign Ministry quoted an unidentified spokesperson as saying Beijing “pursues no selfish interest whatsoever.”
However, many Middle Eastern governments view China as a neutral party, with strong ties to both Saudi Arabia, China’s largest oil supplier, and Iran, which relies on China for 30% of its foreign trade and in which China has pledged to invest $400 billion over 25 years. Iran, which has few export markets owing to sanctions over its nuclear program, sells oil to China at a steep discount.
Earlier, China moved aggressively to build ties in the South Pacific, signing a security agreement with the Solomon Islands that could see Chinese naval ships and security forces taking up a presence in the country. The U.S., Australia and others moved swiftly to shore up ties in the Pacific, and China’s efforts to ink similar agreements with other island nations ultimately foundered.
China’s decision to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia was highly deliberate, both because the two are key to regional stability and for the opportunity to “poke a finger” in Washington’s eye, said Yitzhak Shichor, professor of political science and Asian studies at Israel’s University of Haifa and a leading expert on Beijing’s ties with the region.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Saudi Arabia and Iran Renew Ties, Brokered by China, as Biden Falters on World StageSaudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to restore diplomatic relations in an agreement that was brokered by China — a major blow to U.S. efforts to maintain a united front in the Middle East against the Tehran regime.
Read more »
US 'Imperial Anxieties' Mount Over China-Brokered Iran-Saudi Arabia Diplomatic DealAfter Beijing brokered a normalization deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, one American intelligence expert urged the U.S. to maintain friendly relations with 'barbarous, but long-standing allies' in the Middle East lest China fill the vacuum.
Read more »
China-brokered talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran a ‘troubling' development, former DNI warnsFormer Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe was 'troubled' by the restored ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, blasting President Biden's foreign policies.
Read more »
China-Led Iran-Saudi Arabia Diplomatic Deal Shows Alternative to US HegemonyThe deal could have major implications for the ongoing U.S.-supported Saudi proxy war in Yemen.
Read more »
China denies hidden motives after brokering talks between Saudi Arabia, IranChina claims it was not pursuing selfish motives when it brokered the end of hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran over the weekend.
Read more »