Iran-Israel conflict is China’s chance to assert leadership

In a recent statement by Foreign Minister Wang

Yi, China did not condemn Iran’s attack on Israel, affirming that Iran’s action was limited and an act of self-defence. This stance has been lauded by those who are no longer in favour of the United States’ seemingly unconditional and sometimes questionable support of Israel.

China’s refusal to condemn Iran is not merely a spontaneous reaction but rather, a calculated strategic manoeuvre to assert itself as a player in global politics. For years, China has sought to counterbalance American hegemony, and the current Israel-Iran conflict presents a prime opportunity for it to do so.

The Middle East has long been a key strategic region for the US. But after the Trump administration pulled out of Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran, the region has become increasingly destabilised. In this vacuum, China has apparently abandoned its position of non-interference in an overt move to undermine US influence in the region.

Today, not only has China become Iran’s top export partner, buying up an estimated 90 per cent of the sanction-hit country’s crude oil exports, but it has also taken up the role of peace broker, as seen in last year’s China-led detente between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

To further solidify its position as a viable alternative world leader, China should continue to demonstrate impartiality in international conflicts and strengthen its ties with nations disillusioned with US hegemony.

For starters, China should repair its image and establish itself as a fair arbiter in its own backyard, the South China Sea. Despite the lingering sense of distrust among its neighbours, particularly after the Spratly Islands dispute, China’s pro-Palestinian stance is surely warmly welcomed in this Muslim-majority region. By standing up for Iran and brokering peace, China may one day win the hearts and minds of Asia’s many Muslim-majority countries, a crucial part of its Belt and Road Initiative.

While American support for Israel will remain deeply entrenched for the foreseeable future, its position will only become increasingly untenable. Despite the change in leadership, from Donald Trump to Joe Biden, the US’ Middle East foreign policy has varied little. Indeed, there is little room for political manoeuvring due to the US’ domestic pressures and long-standing alliance commitments.

As such, it is imperative for China to seize this moment and assert its leadership role on the world stage so that the dream of an alternative world order may one day become reality.

Henry Fong, Pok Fu Lam