Wading in Troubled Waters： China＇s Middle East Diplomacy in the New Era

The current Middle East situation is characterized by accelerating multi-polarity, the intertwining sectarian politics and geopolitics, the impending crisis of US alliance system, the escalation of arms race, and the deterioration of terrorism and separatism. Syria, Iran, Yemen and Palestine-Israel peace process will remain the flashpoints. Within such a changed situation, China＇s Middle East policy is evolving from passiveness to aggressiveness. First, participation in the Middle East governance and protection of its practical interests are the two major pillars of China＇s diplomacy in the Middle East; second, bilateral and multilateral mechanisms are the major platforms; third, partnership instead of alliance is the unique China-styled coalition policy, and finally the ＂Belt and Road Initiative＂ is an important tool of Chinese Middle East diplomacy.

The Transformation of the International System and China’s Positive Diplomacy in the Middle East

The international system is at a historical moment of renewal.As the unipolar order declines,various forces are rising,among which China has already become an important force in constructing a new world order.Quiet but revolutionary changes have occurred in China's diplomatic philosophy and practices as the country becomes more deeply ingrained into the international system.Under the background of great changes,the political situation in the Middle East has also quietly changed..With the weakening of the impact of external forces,many new energies in this region are coming to life.The future development of relations between European and United States powers,and their policy changes will bring a far-reaching impact on the political situation in the Middle East.China's diplomacy in the Middle East will become more active and aggressive.Meanwhile,China will concentrate more on the multi-lateral cooperation and its co-ordination with Europe and United States.

From A By-stander to A Constructor:China and the Middle East Security Governance

In the 21st century,Middle East conflicts can generally be classified into four types,namely,conflicts between outside powers and Middle East countries,between Middle East countries themselves,between different political parties and religious sects within a sovereign country,as well as transnational and cross-bordering conflicts.The mode of China’s participation in Middle East security governance includes the political,security and social conflicts.There are three categories of domestic mechanisms in Chinese practice,specifically,the special envoy mechanism by Chinese Foreign Ministry,the procession and peace-keeping mechanisms by Chinese Defense Ministry and the foreign aid mechanism by Chinese Ministry of Commerce.The China-Arab States Cooperation Forum,the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation,the UN and other international organizations constitute the major international regimes for China’s security governance.China’s Middle East security governance creates not only“public goods”for the region,but also a means for China to build constructive great power relations with the US,EU and Russia,among others.The styles of Chinese and Western security governance in the Middle East vary,and the Chinese side places more emphasis on improving the Middle East people’s well-being at the top of the agenda,following“up-bottom”roadmap,and seeking an incremental,consultative,inclusive,and selective governance in the Middle East conflict resolution.

China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in the Last Decade

In the decade after its establishment,the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum has completed its normalized,institutional construction and established more than ten kinds of communication mechanism,such as ministerial meetings,senior officials meeting,business conference and investment seminars,which cover a variety of fields in political,economic,cultural,and humanistic cooperation.It not only enriched the connotation of China-Arab cooperation,but created a new cooperation mode.Therefore,the Arab World and China have developed a relationship of mutual promotion,mutual complementation and sound development multilaterally and bilaterally,officially and privately.The development of the Forum benefited both sides insisting on mutual respect,mutually beneficial cooperation and common development concept.In the next decade,the Forum should deepen strategies,adhere to innovation,emphasize on effectiveness,and create a better tomorrow for the work of the Forum.

Invigorating Sino-Arab Relations by“One Belt and One Road”Strategy

This article reviews the development of Sino-Arab relations in the past six decades.Politically,the two sides support each other and safeguard their rights.Economically,the two sides have complementary advantages and advance win-win cooperation.Since the outbreak of the Middle East Turmoil at the end of 2010,China has always paid close attention to the situation in the Arab countries and wishes the unrest in the Arab countries end soon and the stability be recovered.As time goes on,the Arab countries will increase their understandings to China’s position of respecting the national sovereignty and independence,insisting on not to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries,and standing for the political settlement of disputes.They will come to learn that China is a reliable country.Under the“One Belt and One Road”Strategy,Sino-Arab relations will thrive.