CHINA peace diplomacy is taking a centre stage on international arena in the backdrop of Beijing’s strenuous endeavours to restore lasting peace and stability in Asia, Middle East and different parts of the world. Reconciliation pact among 14 different Palestinian factions in resolving Irael-Palestine conflict, brokering historical Saudi-Iran peace deal, toiling hard to resolve Ukraine-Russia war and accelerating diplomatic efforts in Afghanistan progress and stability showcase China’s peace footprints around the globe. Owning to beneficial to all with the spirit of equity, justice and rule of law, China peace diplomacy is winning the hearts. Reason is that it solely centres on honouring the sovereignty of others, pursuing the policy of non-interference, shunning bloc-politics, neutralizing zero-sum games, upholding the supremacy of multi-polar world, enhancing globalization and promoting the doctrine of shared destiny to mankind.
China’s impartial stance, free from selfish motives or interests, has garnered increasing trust from the international community. As a value system and methodology that China offers for global peace, the Global Security Initiative unveiled by President Xi Jinping transcends geopolitical and ideological differences, and is the greatest common denominator for all parties seeking peace and reconciliation. If have a look at image of global players in adopting the strategy of “olive branch”, China stands out in conspicuous manner. Beijing Declaration signed to end division and strengthening unity by 14 Palestinian factions, in Beijing, capital of China on July 23, 2024 has put China as focal point of global diplomacy.
The Israel-Palestine conflict and internal Palestinian divisions involve extremely complex backgrounds and interests. It is expected that Beijing Declaration will lead to ease out Israel-Palestine conflict. Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, stated that the Beijing Declaration goes “much further” than any other reached in recent years. The scene of representatives from 14 factions signing the declaration marks an important historical moment in the Palestinian liberation movement and brings valuable hope to the long-suffering Palestinian people. The Beijing Declaration is a crucial step toward resolving the Palestinian issue and achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. It is also the first time that an internal Palestinian reconciliation document has been organized by a country outside the Arab world. When asked why this conflict can only be resolved in Beijing rather than elsewhere in the world, Mustafa Barghouti said it is because China is “very decent and honest.” The sincere efforts made by China to support the rights of the Palestinian people, end division and unify the Palestinian stance have been highly praised by all factions in the Beijing Declaration, which is well-deserved.
In Ukraine-Russia conflict, China’s affable and trust-winning diplomacy has made some inroads to ease out crisis. Russia has already put a weight behind the China’s diplomatic arduousness. While last week, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba began his visit to China, marking the first visit by a Ukrainian foreign minister since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Parties from two of the world’s most significant conflict regions simultaneously seek political solutions in China, forming a “diplomatic resonance.” Besides discussing China-Ukraine bilateral relations, a key focus of Kuleba’s visit to China is seeking ways to end the Ukrainian crisis in discussions with China. Before his trip, Kuleba recorded a video for Chinese netizens, expressing his hope for “real and just peace” and for Ukraine to “restore stable development and prosperity, and security for the people.” Promoting a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis is a consistent stance of China, which has also made significant efforts toward this goal. The door to peace remains open, and for the international community, it is crucial to work toward encouraging peace talks rather than the opposite.
The China-brokered Saudi-Iran agreement has been widely welcomed around the globe as a victory for peace and dialogue. Analysts and media praised China for its role as a peace broker and efforts to facilitate dialogue. Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 in response to the attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran after the kingdom executed a Shiite cleric. A landmark agreement is helping de-escalate tensions and restore peace in the Middle East as well as inject stability into a volatile geopolitical landscape. This also showed that China’s diplomatic philosophy that aims to promote peace and development is much more appealing than some countries’ tactics of fueling confrontation to expand their own political domain in the Gulf region.
Experts pointed out that this is also one of the best practices under the Global Security Initiative (GSI) that China proposed and it could have a far-reaching implications and demonstrative effect on other regions that face similar problems of confrontation and conflict. Experts believe that an important reason for Saudi Arabia and Iran to agree to resume ties is that both sides trust China. “They believe that what China does is not for the selfish interests or hegemony, but for the good of regional stability.” Experts pointed out that the way China handled this issue is different from the US which tends to fuel flames and sow discord for selfish gains. “There has been a question hanging in the process of global governance ¬- is it better to form coalitions and seek proxies to fight wars or to promote peace talks and direct dialogue between the two sides to find a solution that suits both sides? China will not seek a proxy,” Experts said.
China’s peace diplomatic role resigned supreme when the US left Afghanistan in chaos after 20 years stay in Kabul. In order to let peace a chance to prevail, China endorsed Taliban interim government hoping that the Afghan Taliban can unite with other political parties and with all ethnic groups and build a political framework in keeping with national conditions that is broadly inclusive and will lay the foundation for enduring peace. As a close neighbour and sincere friend to Afghanistan, China hopes for peace and stability in Afghanistan more than any other country. China has built platforms, created conditions, and contributed Chinese wisdom and solutions to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan, earning unanimous praise from the Afghan people and the international community. Together with the Afghan people, China will continuously consolidate the foundation of popular support for friendly relations between the two countries and work hand in hand to build a China-Afghanistan community of shared future.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
