A more active diplomacy for China in the Middle East?
- By Tim Collard
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E-mail China.org.cn, January 21, 2016
Obviously the furthering of these links in the context of the Belt and Road program will be high on the agenda, but it is certain that there will be a strong focus on peace-making and counter-terrorism, particularly since the "Islamic State" group has occupied large parts of Syria and Iraq and spreading terrorism around the wider region.
Though President Xi will certainly not wish to embroil China in regional and inter-state rivalries, he will not be unaware of the current tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, another destination on this trip. The two countries claiming leadership of two separate branches of the Islamic faith, are deeply at odds over clashes between Sunni and Shia Muslims in Iraq, Yemen, Bahrain, and within Saudi Arabia itself. If China can play a role in reducing tensions between these two major regional players, she will have done the world a big favor.
Iran has just emerged from a very difficult period, in which her economy was badly affected by Western sanctions. Now a deal on nuclear issues has been reached with the U.S., Iran will be better placed for involvement in the Chinese-sponsored infrastructural projects under the Belt and Road initiative.
President Xi will also visit Egypt, where he will address the League of Arab States (LAS), to expound China's ideas on promoting peace and development in the Middle East. Egypt is clearly a major regional player; however, while she is not directly involved in inter-state tensions she suffers from problems with internal stability. Xi will obviously not want to get involved, but will encourage the Egyptian government to focus firmly on economic improvement to reduce social unrest.
But the eyes of the world, and, no doubt, the Chinese leader's thoughts, will principally be on areas which he will not be visiting – the warzones of Iraq and Syria, where it is becoming ever clearer that a coordinated international effort will be necessary to defeat determined terrorists with international links, including some inside China.
The murder of a Chinese hostage by "Islamic State" militants in late 2015 has motivated China to take an active interest in the resolution of the issues related to Middle Eastern terrorism. China, as an important nation without unfortunate historical baggage, is well placed to exercise a positive influence, and the world will be grateful for any resulting advances.
The writer is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/timcollard.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn
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