Amid the ongoing tensions and the threat of further escalation in the Middle East, a distinct player has emerged: China, bringing its unique and stabilizing approach to the region.

In the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip, the United States has refused to assume any mediator role, frustrating the international community's efforts to forge a peaceful resolution at the UN.

However, there are alternative pathways worth considering. China presents a distinct model that emphasizes leveraging international organizations to quell tensions. The Asian country has actively worked to empower these organizations as platforms for dialogue and peace building.

China has already built a solid track record as a major provider of humanitarian aid, a champion of development and integration and, most notably, a broker of an unprecedented rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March 2023.

This reconciliation between the two rivals has set the benchmark for diplomacy, mediation and constructive dialogue, with China demonstrating remarkable skills in its efforts. The outcome has yielded a historic peace dividend for both nations and earned the respect of the region, which harbors similar aspirations as it navigates several major and minor conflicts.

Even amid the raging conflict in Gaza, marked by daily bombings and a tragic toll on Palestinian civilians, China has staunchly backed the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. This support intends to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict despite some attempts to portray the organization as colluding with extremist forces.

Moreover, China does not have the historical baggage of the West, whose colonialism and arbitrary partitioning of the region along ethnic and religious lines have resulted in the region's tragic disorder that persists into the present era. Seeking profits through tensions, the West has supplied weapons, toppled legitimate governments and imposed exploitative economic practices.

As a steadfast advocate for globalization, free trade and development through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Global Development Initiative, China promises a better future—a reality not lost on the people of the region.

While some may profit from instigating conflict, China has instead sought to do business, not short-term economic "raids," but long-term, stable deals that help promote regional economic development. 

Take the 25-year comprehensive cooperation plan that China and Iran signed in 2021. The agreement, which spans energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology and healthcare, will benefit both sides.

China has also supported the resumption of negotiations on implementing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear issue, which would normalize ties between Iran and the international community and brighten the country's prospects. 

Meanwhile, this helped lay the groundwork for the reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the latter of which has inked a comprehensive strategic partnership with China. It has also proven that economic development and progress can be effectively leveraged to promote dialogue and peace.

Given China's accomplishments in the region—deemed unthinkable just a few years ago—let us look forward to what China will likely achieve amid waning U.S. influence, as the superpower appears to be hyper-focused on provoking conflict rather than boosting growth and development in the Middle East.

With the joint efforts of China and countries in the region, the seemingly interminable conflicts in the Middle East may finally be settled.

The Middle East, connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, will no longer be a barren land of wasted potential but a region of beauty, progress and opportunity. Those set on a continued stifling of the region's progress will ultimately be left behind. BR

The author is an assistant professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. This is an edited excerpt of an article first published by Xinhua News Agency

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon

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