The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, prompting urgent international calls for a ceasefire and aid. China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have jointly urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to adopt a “meaningful, actionable resolution” to alleviate the dire situation.
As the current rotating chair of the UNSC, China is collaborating closely with the UAE, a member of the Council, to advocate for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians in Gaza. Their joint efforts aim to address the urgent humanitarian needs and prevent further escalation of violence in the region.
“Diplomatically and politically, China has been active in trying to put an end to the massacre in Gaza,” said Ebrahim Hashem, an Emirati strategist and Asia Global Fellow at the University of Hong Kong’s Asia Global Institute. “China and the UAE have been working together at the UNSC, calling for discussions to stop the genocide and to demand a ceasefire.”
However, these initiatives have faced obstacles. “These efforts have been blocked by certain Western powers, including the United States and the United Kingdom,” Hashem noted. He emphasized that the backing of Israel by these countries has led to the continuation of military actions in Gaza under the guise of “self-defense.”
Hashem pointed out that the West, particularly Western governments, have lost credibility and legitimacy in the Middle East due to their stance on this issue. “Many people now believe that the United States, as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has lost all credibility and legitimacy to be the sole mediator,” he stated. “China, and possibly Russia, can offer a more balanced approach.”
China’s increasing role in Middle Eastern diplomacy has been evident in recent months. The successful brokering of a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran earlier this year showcased China’s commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in the region. “There’s a lot of goodwill for China in the region,” Hashem observed. “This has not come out of a vacuum. China has been contributing positively, not only economically and politically but also diplomatically.”
The collective efforts by China and the UAE at the UNSC reflect a growing desire among Middle Eastern countries for a more balanced international engagement. As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, the call for immediate action becomes more pressing. The international community watches closely to see if new diplomatic leadership can pave the way for peace and stability in the region.
Reference(s):
West has lost credibility in Middeast, China offers balanced approach
cgtn.com
