Can China Emerge as a Global Peace Broker? Hosting Palestinian & Ukrainian Delegations This Week!

Throughout history, China has rarely played a pivotal role in mediating global conflicts. However, recent developments reflect a shift in this narrative. Taking a step forward, China is playing host to delegations from Palestine and Ukraine this week. This strategic move has ignited a pertinent question, Can China play the peace broker in global conflicts? This article seeks to analyze this question taking into account China’s current diplomatic strategies and foreign policies. China’s meeting with the Palestinian delegation isn’t an unexpected development. Beijing has a history of supporting the Palestinian cause and has maintained cordial relationships with Palestinian leaders. China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, has reaffirmed this stance, voicing support for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine based on 1967 borders. He also proclaimed, during his meeting with the Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki earlier this year, that China supports Palestinian’s just demands and their endeavors to build an independent state. In recent times, there is a pragmatic shift in Chinese foreign policy. As the country continues to solidify its position in the international landscape, it’s likely Beijing will attempt to play a stronger role in Middle Eastern affairs in the near future. Though the Chinese government has historically taken a backseat role, the shift towards active participation in peace processes is significant. Further, the Ukrainian delegation’s visit to China plays an important role in understanding China’s stance in the global community. Throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China has maintained a policy of non-interference. Yet, this visit indicates an imminent change in stance, echoing the renewed approach towards peacemaking. Entertaining the Ukrainian delegation, China undeniably is entering a new phase in its diplomatic affairs, suggesting a move into areas that it has generally shied away from. Beijing’s increased involvement in these regions displays willingness for greater diplomatic engagement. Its diplomatic strategies seem geared towards improving relations and better managing conflicts with other nations, addressing the complexity of current geopolitical realities. However, translating these intentions into effective actions is no simple task. On the one hand, China has geopolitical expertise, economic resources, and the diplomatic weight to be a peace broker in global conflicts. On the other, the ability to successfully mediate is dependent upon mutual trust and respect among conflicting parties. China has a number of conflicting territorial and strategic interests in various parts of the world, which might render its mediation efforts less credible and trustworthy to the disagreeing parties. Moreover, regional players accustomed to the mediation roles played by traditionally influential countries, such as the United States and Russia, may prove resistant to a new intermediary. This resistance might undermine China’s peace brokering attempts. It shows that despite Beijing’s ambitions, the road to becoming a global peace broker is fraught with challenges that extend beyond hosting strategic delegations. In conclusion, China’s step to host Palestinian and Ukrainian delegifications represents an interesting shift in its foreign policies and approach towards global conflicts. It signifies China’s ambition to play a more assertive role in global affairs. However, it remains to be seen whether China can overcome various challenges and succeed in brokering peace in multilayered global conflicts.