China’s Ties with the Assad Regime
China has emerged as a notable player in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, particularly through its increasingly close ties with Syria’s Assad regime. Since the onset of the Syrian civil war, Beijing has navigated a complex web of diplomacy, economic engagement, and limited security cooperation aimed at sustaining its relationship with the Assad government. Following a significant time of instability, China has utilized its special envoy to Syria since 2016 to extend political support and stability to the regime, addressing issues from the ongoing civil conflict to humanitarian aid and the need for reconstruction.
One of the pivotal moments in China-Syria relations came in 2022 when China signed an agreement to include Syria in its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Although this partnership heralded potential for infrastructure development and economic rejuvenation within Syria, it has yet to yield substantial projects on the ground. The BRI is emblematic of China’s broader strategy to project influence through economic partnerships, yet the lack of visible progress in Syria raises questions about the practical manifestations of this strategy in a nation still grappling with war and recovery.
Projecting a Peacemaker Image – Pentagon’s Observations
As tensions in the region escalated, especially in light of the Israel-Hamas conflict, China worked diligently to cultivate an image as a peace promoter. This strategic narrative aligns with its growing ties to the Global South and reflects its support for the Palestinian cause. Chinese leaders have used multiple international platforms to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to advocate for renewed negotiations aimed at achieving a “two-state solution.” This diplomatic stance, particularly observable during China’s rotational presidency of the UN Security Council in November 2023, emphasized China’s commitment to elevating Gaza’s situation in global discussions.
Despite its vocal support for peace, China has notably refrained from direct diplomatic or military involvement in the ongoing conflict, opting instead for a more cautious and diplomatic approach. This highlights a strategic balancing act wherein China seeks to influence outcomes without becoming embroiled in direct confrontations that could alienate key partners or destabilize existing relations.
A Critical View of China’s Stance
However, as noted in a Pentagon report, China’s stance has drawn criticism, particularly regarding its position on U.S. support for Israel. The report indicates that China has articulated concerns that American backing of Israeli military actions exacerbates the conflict, suggesting that such actions extend beyond legitimate self-defense. This critique underscores a broader narrative wherein China positions itself as a counterbalance to U.S. influence in international conflict scenarios.
Furthermore, China has begun to associate the ongoing shipping crisis in the Red Sea with Israeli military activities, implicitly linking U.S. operations in the region to an increase in regional insecurity. By doing so, China aims to bolster its image as an advocate for stability while challenging the status quo established by U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
China’s Challenges in the Red Sea
The complexities of international relations extend into maritime security, particularly concerning China’s response to the volatile situation in the Red Sea. Notably, the Pentagon report highlights China’s decision to abstain from joining the U.S.-led international coalition designed to safeguard shipping routes in the area. This choice has significant implications, as it led to a notable increase in shipping costs, prompting many international shipping companies to reconsider their routes and avoid the Red Sea altogether.
Despite Beijing’s pronounced relationships with regional power Iran, its ability to leverage this connection to exert pressure on Houthi rebels to cease their assaults on international shipping has proven limited. The persistent attacks on shipping vessels have not only threatened global trade routes but have also heightened concerns about maritime security that China has been reluctant to address through direct intervention. This context encapsulates the challenges China faces in promoting itself as a global peacekeeper while simultaneously dealing with the realities of regional instability and the limitations of its influence.