Can China fix what the US broke?
In the midst of a devastating conflict in Gaza, where more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed and many more injured, international responses have varied significantly. Contrasting sharply with the United States' approach, which critics argue has been largely ineffective, China has emerged as a proponent for peace. At the recent opening of a meeting between top diplomats from China and the Middle East, President Xi Jinping reminded the participants of the tremendous suffering in Gaza and called for an international peace conference.
Addressing the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing, Xi condemned the ongoing violence and called for an immediate ceasefire. In perhaps the most pointed statement, the Chinese leader emphasised that Israel’s military offensive “should not continue indefinitely” and that “justice should not be absent forever.” The statement lamented the dire situation in Gaza, which has now reached a critical juncture marked by a "deadly famine and blockade that has cut off all livelihoods" and the "systematic" destruction of residential areas, hospitals, schools, mosques, churches, and infrastructure.
During the nearly eight-month-long deadly conflict, China, which has sought to deepen its relations across the Middle East in recent years, has positioned itself in agreement with the Arab world and the wider Global South, criticising Israel and calling for an immediate ceasefire. Its stance has put it at odds with Washington, long a key power in the region and a primary backer of Israel. Chinese officials have used the conflict to hit out at Washington – fitting into a larger message from Beijing that frames the US as an aggressor unfairly dominating the current world order. Xi, in his remarks, hailed a 'common desire for a new era of China-Arab relations' and said their relations could be a 'model for maintaining world peace and stability.'
Having said that, China holds a unique neutral position to lead the peace initiative. Unlike the US, it hasn’t pledged to protect either side in the conflict, whereas Washington’s commitment to defending Israel continues even when Israel openly violates established human rights norms. Over the years, China’s diplomatic engagement in the Middle East has also positioned it as a key partner for many Arab states, providing an alternative to the dominant Western influence.
In contrast, Washington has been widely criticised for its handling of the Gaza conflict. While Biden administration officials have repeatedly called for a ceasefire and expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis, tangible actions to prevent escalation have been limited or ineffective. President Biden, who faces re-election, continues to provide substantial military aid to Israel, which many see as enabling the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza. This has led to accusations of hypocrisy and lip service, where the US promises support for peace and human rights while its policies contribute to or extend the conflict. While the Biden administration has made some efforts to engage diplomatically, such as appointing a special envoy to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, these measures have been overshadowed by the unwavering military support for Israel, which critics argue undermines Washington’s credibility as a peace broker.
On the other hand, China’s growing influence in the Middle East, underscored by its active economic and diplomatic engagements, positions it as a significant player capable of shaping outcomes in Gaza. By calling for an end to the violence and advocating for justice, China aligns itself with broader international calls for a resolution to the conflict. Its emphasis on economic cooperation as a foundation for peace provides a stark contrast to the militaristic approach often attributed to the US involvement in the region.
At this critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, Washington faces a complex challenge. Its historical alliance with Israel impairs its ability to act as an impartial and neutral mediator. While President Biden has repeatedly called for peace in Gaza, the $12 billion military aid provided to Israel since October 7, justified by the need to maintain security in the region, has contradicted the calls for a ceasefire and peace, leading to a perception of double standards. More recently, before the Rafah invasion, Biden said he had drawn a red line when it came to providing certain American weapons to Israel. But, where exactly that line rests remains somewhat elusive because Israel carried out a ruthless operation, killing 45 people and injuring more than 250 in Rafah.
Furthermore, media reports, including one by CNN, suggest that ammunition used during the conflict, some of which has caused massive deaths, was provided by the US. Had Biden genuinely been committed to peace or at least the idea of preventing the disproportionate death toll from rising, his administration would have tapered the supply of weapons that have caused the destruction. This double standard approach has undermined US diplomatic efforts and diminished its influence in advocating for a sustainable resolution to the Gaza conflict.
Under these circumstances, and as the Gaza conflict continues with devastating human costs, the international community’s inaction or hypocritical approach is no longer an option. China’s efforts for peace and justice reflects its desire to take the role of a player in Middle Eastern politics – particularly at a time when the US appears increasingly biased and unwilling to use its influence over Israel to minimise the atrocities.
Even while China is accused of human rights violations by the West at home, the massive toll in Gaza and Beijing's steps to rally the leaders in the Middle East portray it in a positive light not just in the region but also beyond. Meanwhile, the US must reconcile its strategic interests with its stated commitment to peace and human rights. Moving beyond lip service to concrete actions that support a ceasefire and address the root causes of the conflict is essential for the US to regain credibility and effectiveness in its diplomatic efforts.
At this point, the contrasting strategies of Beijing and Washington underscore a notable shift in global power dynamics. Emerging players such as China are demonstrating a willingness to utilise their influence to shape global outcomes, while traditional Western powers appear to relinquish their responsibilities or selectively apply their influence.