China criticizes Israel and positions itself as a possible peace broker

China criticizes Israel and positions itself as a possible peace broker

An unprecedented attack of Israel on Iran triggered an escalating conflict between these two hostile states last week. In this context, China sees the chance to position itself as a potential peace broker - as an alternative voice next to the USA.

China's diplomatic initiative

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi took over this mission at the weekend and spoke in separate calls to his Iranian and Israeli counterparts. Wang condemned the attack that triggered the latest conflict and signals that China is willing to play "a constructive role" in solving the crisis.

"China expressly condemns Israel's violation of sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Iran ... and supports Iran in maintaining its national sovereignty and the defense of his legitimate rights and interests", Wang said in a conversation with the Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, as from Beijings Official message can be seen.

China's geopolitical positioning

China's "Explicit" opposition attitude towards the Israeli attack is strongly contrast to Beijing’s response to the Russian invasion in Ukraine, which was not convicted, while the relationships with Moscow were intensified. This shows the hardening geopolitical lines that China put in opposition to the United States, in a variety of global questions.

The Israeli air raid was directed against Iran's nuclear, military and strategic systems and was called an operation by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "roll back" the Iranian threat to the existence of his country. Since then there have been several waves of fatal attacks on both sides that have led to rising victims and an increased risk of a regional conflict that could also include the USA.

China's role in the Middle East

for China there are numerous reasons to speak loudly in a conflict that unfolds in part of the world in which it has worked on its economic and diplomatic influence. In the global south, where Israel is heavily criticized because of its continued attacks on Gaza, China sees a way to further expand its influence.

Beijing has also positioned itself as an important diplomatic and economic supporter of Iran and deepened the collaboration in recent years, among other things by joint naval exercises . Chinese officials repeatedly commented against the US sanctions against Iran and criticized the retreat of the USA from the 2015 nuclear agreement, while they branded Washington as a source of instability in the Middle East.

The challenge of conflict agency

Wang set up a subtle criticism of the United States and asked the countries with influence on Israel to take concrete steps to restore peace. "China is ready to maintain the dialogue with Iran and other relevant parties in order to play a constructive role in the de -escalation of the situation," he added.

In conversation with the Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Wang asked both Israel and Iran to solve differences through dialogue. A Chinese report from the conversation emphasized that China is ready to constructively support these efforts.

international reactions and future developments

Beijing is expected to draw no advantages from the tightening of the tensions in the region, which it uses for energy sources and in which it wants to show itself as an emerging power broker. In fact, China played a surprising role in the mediation of a diplomatic approach between the arch-enemies of Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023.

It remains unclear what role Beijing can play in solving the current conflict. In view of the warnings from Washington, many factors must be taken into account with regard to an in -depth “axis” between China, Iran, Russia and North Korea.

China remains the largest energy buyer in Iran, although no official oil purchases have been reported since 2022. This year the United States sanctioned several Chinese companies because of its role in the oil trade with Iran.

The former US President Trump commented on social media on Sunday and said that Iran and Israel will "make an agreement" while he mentioned that "numerous conversations and meetings" would take place. He indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin could also be considered as an intermediary.

In a Interview Trump explained that he was open to a mediation by Putin, which illustrates the growing relationships between Washington and Moscow, who also maintain close contacts with Tehran and condemn Israel's attacks.

"I would be open to it," said Trump. "Putin is ready."