China's approach in managing conflicts in West Asia

One of the areas that Beijing has put on the agenda in its global policy is to be an effective mediator or actor in world conflicts. In this regard, the research has analyzed China's crisis management in West Asian conflicts while examining some of the conflicts in recent years in this region, and raises the question of what China's management approach has been in West Asian crises? In order to answer this question, the indicators of China's role in the various conflicts of this region were examined. The hypothesis of this research is that China's policy of de-escalation, maintaining balance and mediation in line with the economic interests that this country pursues in different regions of the world is the dominant and main approach of China in the conflicts of West Asia. The findings of the research show China has adopted a political and economic interaction approach based on cost-benefit logic in the issue of West Asian conflicts. In terms of method, the current research is in the category of descriptive-analytical research with the help of documents and library resources.

Introduction

The developments in the Middle East are undoubtedly among the most significant transformations that have occurred in international politics in recent years. The importance of these developments lies in their role in redefining the foreign policies of many countries, particularly major powers, toward this region. Among these countries, China’s stance on the developments in this region holds special significance, as the role and position of this country in the international political arena—and consequently in the Middle East—have significantly risen in recent years. The authors believe that China, by adopting a strategy different from that of other global powers, has influenced the dynamics of West Asia. In this regard, the authors aim to investigate the factors influencing China’s foreign policy in West Asia, identify the indicators of this policy, and examine Beijing’s approach to resolving conflicts in the region. The study seeks to answer the question: What is China’s approach to conflicts in West Asia? China’s economic and political power, Iran’s regional and military influence, and the potential victory of Russia in the war with Ukraine could alter the global power equation in favor of what might be referred to as the "New Eastern Bloc," thereby accelerating the decline of the West and the United States, albeit in terms of slowing their pace of growth. These developments, along with the authors’ academic interests, prompted them to question how China’s position, foreign policy, and approach to West Asian crises are shaping up during this transitional period in the international order.
2.Theoretical Framework
While the subject of this study could be explored through various international relations theories and discourses, the Chinese discourse of multilateralism is particularly relevant due to its assumptions and principles. This discourse, emphasizing multilateral diplomacy, shared interests, and mediation, provides a suitable framework for analyzing the topic. China has outlined its development path as peaceful and claims to follow a scientific, independent, open, and cooperative approach with other nations. Its diplomacy is based on three main concepts: peaceful development, partnership-building, and shared growth, all of which are directly related to China’s multilateralism in international relations. China’s foreign policy emphasizes peaceful relations, mutual respect, fostering security among neighbors and international actors, and supporting their growth and development. By promoting peace through collaboration with other nations, China seeks to resolve conflicts and build friendly relations based on mutual cooperation. The Chinese view international peace and favorable external conditions as essential tools for advancing their national development. To achieve such an environment, China’s multilateralism is driven by five key areas:

Maintaining friendly relations with developing countries and major international actors.
Continuously expanding cordial relations with neighboring countries.
Bilateral and regional cooperation to promote peace and stability.
Active participation in global and multilateral issues to contribute to a fair and equitable order.
Strengthening cultural and economic exchanges with neighboring nations.

These five pillars reflect the complexity of China’s multilateral diplomacy, which ultimately aims to create a peaceful environment conducive to its development.
3.Methodology
Methodologically, this research is descriptive-analytical and utilizes documents and library-based resources.
4.Results & Discussion
This study analyzes China’s approach to conflicts in West Asia by addressing the question: What is Beijing’s strategy in these conflicts? To answer this, the research examines China’s engagement indicators in recent regional disputes such as the Iran-Saudi Arabia conflict, the Hamas-Israel conflict, and the Syrian crisis. The findings reveal that China’s approach to West Asian conflicts is guided by a cost-benefit logic, adopting a strategy of political and economic engagement. Beijing seeks to become the largest trading partner of West Asian nations and, consequently, avoids unilateralism in regional disputes. Moreover, China aims to diminish the role of the United States in West Asia, as it defines its competitive domain with the U.S. in various areas within this region. However, Beijing avoids direct confrontation with the U.S., carefully crafting its actions to avoid overt competition. China recognizes that to benefit from the region’s abundant resources, a relative level of peace and stability must prevail in the area. This realization drives China’s involvement as a peace-promoting actor in regional conflicts.
5.Conclusions & Suggestions
China’s economic strategy aims to position it as the primary trading partner for West Asian countries, ensuring that unilateral approaches are avoided in its interactions and regional disputes. Furthermore, China seeks to reduce the U.S.'s influence in West Asia by strategically defining its competition with the U.S. in various aspects. However, Beijing avoids direct confrontation and ensures its actions are not explicitly adversarial. Acknowledging that regional stability is essential for leveraging the region’s resources, China has adopted a peace-promoting role in West Asian disputes.