Saudi Arabia andIranrecentlyBeijingAnnouncing the resumption of diplomatic relations, China vigorously promoted its mediation efforts. The New York Times reported that Chinese leadersXi JinpingThe self-cultivation of the image of a “global statesman” has reached a new height, but Saudi Arabia and Iran have long intended to resume diplomatic relations, and China took advantage of this opportunity.
The New York Times today published a report titled “Xi Jinping’s Global Goals Behind China Signals Resumption of Diplomacy Between Saudi Arabia and Iran” Mediation means Xi Jinping’s goal. has reached a new level. High. Xi Jinping is seeking to boost his image as a “global statesman” amid growing rivalry between the US and China.
The report directly pointed out that Xi Jinping seized the opportunity to weaken US influence in the Middle East, and presented “China’s leadership” to the world as an alternative to the “US-led world order”. .
The report states that Xi Jinping’s vision is to “seize world leadership in the hands of the United States”, favoring multilateralism and “non-intervention”. But China defines “non-intervention” as advocating that countries should not interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, such as criticizing other countries’ human rights violations. The agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic relations reflects this vision.
In December 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Saudi Arabia will draw the world’s attention to China’s growing influence over America’s old ally. Two months later, Xi Jinping welcomed Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi to Beijing in a way the authoritarian leader of a country accused of secretly building nuclear weapons would never have received in European and American capitals.
The report pointed out that compared to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, reducing the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran is not a major challenge. While China maintains strong economic and trade ties with both countries, China’s role in brokering the deal is not as significant given that Saudi Arabia and Iran already have incentives to resume diplomatic ties. It can be as it appears.
Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, a research institute in Washington, said, “Saudi Arabia and Iran have been discussing the restoration of relations for a long time, so it is not something that Beijing facilitated overnight. Is.” Therefore, do not exaggerate the importance of China promoting the agreement on the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Sun Yun said, “It is not China that is bringing Saudi Arabia and Iran to the negotiating table and resolving their differences.”
Sun Yun believes that the most likely reason for Shai’s restoration of diplomatic relations is that the interests of all parties have come together. Relief for a struggling and isolated Iran; Saudi Arabia will tell Washington that “less engagement in the Middle East comes at a cost”; Xi Jinping as a “global leader” able to assert himself in the face of growing pressure from the United States’ prestige.
The report said that despite a further deterioration in US-China relations after the new crown epidemic locked down the country for three years, Xi Jinping is rapidly restoring China’s position on the world stage. He has held meetings with dozens of heads of state and sent the world’s most senior diplomats. Find influence everywhere.
China (tags to translate) Iran
