Another peace initiative
Beijing is making strides to resume the stalled peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian officials. This breakthrough came as Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang had a telephonic conversation with top diplomats of both the feuding parties in the Middle East, renewing hopes of reconciliation in one of the most volatile regions of the world. The so-called US-brokered peace parleys have been in limbo since 2014 as no effort has been made to iron out the simmering difference as Tel Aviv’s policy of illegal settlements in occupied territories continues unabated. This jiff of fresh air from Chinese authorities has come close on the heels of a similar thaw brokered in the region between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Beijing must go ahead with the initiative even if it is responded to with a cold shoulder by Tel Aviv. While the economic giant is known for success stories in brokering rapprochements, as is evident from its policies in Southeast Asia with many of the irked states who nurse territorial and trade differences, it should not blink in focusing on the Middle East. This is where, indeed, its litmus test rests as it rises as the next superpower of the world. Moreover, as China is an ardent believer in prolonged negotiations without recourse to military force, there is no reason why it could not cement a deal to take out one of the worst flashpoints of irritation in interstate relations.
The salient features of the initiative have been spelt out in categorical terms by saying that it is meant for a ‘two-state solution’. This aspect must bring in the Americans too as it is their brainchild to secure the existence of Israel by somehow making life easy for the stateless Palestinians by carving out, at least, a truncated state for them. While consecutive US administrations have done nothing but romanticise the synopsis, Beijing comes in with enough credibility to get it done. It is advisable that the somersaults of teetering talks be kept away from the glare of media until and unless a signed deal is on the surface.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2023.
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