Navigating the Crossroads: Analyzing China’s Middle East Policy in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Context

Abstract

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, its Middle East policy has undergone three stages: initial rise, elevated influence, and adjustment. With the outbreak of a new round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on October 7, 2023, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has significantly shifted, marked by deepening divisions within the Arab world, challenges to US strategy, and the expansion of China’s diplomatic space. This study explores how these changes impact China’s Middle East policy and analyzes how China responds to emerging challenges, including rising geopolitical risks, obstacles to bilateral economic cooperation, shifts in international public opinion, and the sustainability of its “balanced diplomacy” approach. China aims to maintain a balance between Palestine and Israel, promote regional stability, and advance economic cooperation. However, in light of new regional dynamics, this study proposes that China needs to adjust its policy by strengthening its engagement with international responsibilities, ensuring security and economic cooperation in parallel, and increasing foreign aid and public diplomacy. Moreover, China should innovate its public opinion management and information dissemination strategies to navigate the complex media environment. By analyzing these issues, this article will examine the direction of China’s Middle East policy adjustments and their broader implications for regional dynamics and global strategic competition.