China's Middle East Strategy Shaken by Israel-Hamas War

If There Are Mediation Results, Analysis Suggests Strengthened Position Instead

The war between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas is shaking China's Middle East strategy. On the other hand, there is also an analysis that if China mediates this war or brings about outcomes such as a ceasefire, China's position could rather be strengthened.

On the 11th, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, "China has long supported Palestine's statehood while maintaining strong economic ties with Israel, trying to take a balanced stance," and noted that this war could also affect the relationship between China and Israel.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Galia Ravi, a researcher at the National Security Research Institute specializing in the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Israel relations, said, "Israel is disappointed with China's response to Hamas's attack," adding, "A true friend reveals themselves when needed. The United States provided substantial support to Israel, but China has not even expressed sympathy. It is truly regrettable." SCMP reported, "The conflict between Israel and Hamas could potentially have a significant impact across the Middle East and will be another factor that China and the United States need to consider in the long term."

China has increased its presence in the Middle East, mediating the normalization of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March. Chinese President Xi Jinping also hosted Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority, as a state guest in June for a summit in China.

Conversely, there is an analysis that the impact of this war on China is limited, and rather, if China achieves a 'mediation' outcome, it could strengthen its standing in the international community.

Wang Jin, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at Northwest University in China, agreed that Israel's criticism of China could negatively affect the Belt and Road Initiative projects but believed the damage would not be severe. Professor Wang assessed, "Some projects, such as investments in Haifa Port, may be affected and suspended, but the impact will be very small."

Jody Wen, a professor at Tsinghua University's Center for International Security and Strategy, also viewed that most of the infrastructure projects China supports in the Middle East are in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, so the impact of this conflict on the Belt and Road projects is limited. Professor Wen said, "China will continue efforts to play the role of a peace mediator in this region," and predicted that China might attempt mediation. He added, "If China successfully mediates this issue or achieves phased results such as a ceasefire, it will once again prove its influence in the region."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.