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Morsi's trip schedule revealed his new diplomatic strategy of conducting a pluralistic diplomacy based on the principle of balance. Chinese observers pointed out that the Morsi administration intends to keep a distance from the United States in order to relieve domestic pressure. In addition, Morsi's Tehran visit showed Cairo's stance on conducting a normal diplomatic relationship with Iran, suggesting the two countries' relationship will not see a dramatic improvement.
He Wenping from the CASS said it is not rational to judge Morsi's diplomatic policy from only one trip, but she stressed that Egypt is certain to maintain a pluralistic diplomatic strategy rather than simply following U.S. commands.
Egypt doesn't want to be tied up with the West, particularly the Middle East wars launched by the United States. In the Hosni Mubarak era, Egypt had maintained an extremely close relationship with the United States, which was one of the points raising Egyptian people's objections. Morsi's new government wants to show that it is different from the Mubarak administration, so Egypt will no longer be Washington's attendant. Besides, He Wenping pointed out that Morsi hopes to see a pluralistic and balanced situation in the Middle East.
Wang Suolao, a professor with Peking University, stressed that the core of Morsi's diplomatic policy is that Egypt must make decisions based on its own interests instead of playing up to U.S. interests. Wang noted that Morsi must find a way to keep a distance between Egypt's diplomatic independence and U.S. aid. The United States provides at least $2 billion in assistance to Egypt, about $1.4 billion for military aid and the rest for economic help.
Wang said Morsi will not give up such a huge amount of assistance, because the country is facing economic difficulties. Moreover, if the country's military relationship with the United States doesn't go over well, Morsi will face pressure from the military circle.
Dong Manyuan, Vice President of the CIIS, pointed out that with or without the diplomatic policy adjustment, Egypt still has a strategic partnership with the United States, and the Egypt-U.S. relationship will continue to be important to Morsi. Considering its strategic alliance with Washington, Egypt will not go very far down the path of ameliorating its relationship with Tehran.
Dong explained that the current relief between Egypt and Iran does not entail a complete reversal of their previous relationship. They are still alert and cautious toward each other. In addition, the complicated geopolitical fight between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam is still ongoing—while most of Egypt's Muslims are Sunnis, Shiites make up the majority of the population in Iran. Although Morsi has a mild Islamic background, he is the leader of a secular country, which is averse to Iran's Islamic regime. "The amelioration between Egypt and Iran is very limited, and what Morsi showed is merely an attitude," Dong concluded.
Dong believed that the new president of Egypt will stick to the principle of balance when developing relations with influential powers, the Islamic world and major economies. Dong stressed that for China, the approach offers a precious opportunity to deepen its friendly cooperation with Arab countries.
President Hu Jintao's Proposals on Sino-Egyptian Ties
- Political relations: conducting closer exchanges between leaders, governments, parliaments and political parties, giving full play to various consultation mechanisms and supporting each other on major issues concerning each other's core interests
- Economic and trade cooperation: proceeding with construction on big projects such as a Suez trade cooperation area and enhancing cooperation in a variety of areas, including infrastructure construction, agriculture, transportation, energy and finance
- Cultural and people-to-people exchanges: promoting dialogues and exchanges between different civilizations and deepening cooperation in the culture, health, press, technology and tourism sectors
- Multilateral cooperation: supporting Egypt in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs and maintaining close communication with it on hot issues
(Source: Xinhua News Agency)
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