Why did China take on this role of peacemaker? And what does it mean for the Middle East and the world?
## China's interests and motivations
China has several interests and motivations behind its mediation efforts. First and foremost, China is dependent on oil imports from the Middle East, especially from Saudi Arabia and Iran. By easing tensions between the two oil giants, China hopes to secure its energy supply and avoid any disruptions caused by conflicts or sanctions.
Second, China wants to expand its trade and investment opportunities in the region. As part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has signed strategic partnership agreements with both Saudi Arabia and Iran, pledging to enhance cooperation in various fields such as infrastructure, technology, finance and culture. By bringing the two countries closer together, China can create a more conducive environment for its economic projects.
Third, China wants to increase its influence and leverage in the region. By playing the role of an honest broker that respects both sides' interests and concerns, China can gain trust and goodwill from both Riyadh and Tehran. This can help China balance against other powers that have competing interests in the region such as the United States, Russia and Israel.
## Implications for the region and beyond
The Saudi-Iran truce has significant implications for the region and beyond. For one thing, it can reduce violence and instability in countries where Saudi Arabia and Iran have been supporting opposing factions such as Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. This can create opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation among different parties.
For another thing, it can affect the nuclear negotiations between Iran and world powers. The restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran can ease some of the pressure on Tehran to comply with the 2015 nuclear deal that was abandoned by former US President Donald Trump in 2018. It can also give Iran more confidence to resist US demands for additional concessions on its missile program or regional activities.
However, not everyone is happy with this development. Israel views Iran as an existential threat that must be stopped from acquiring nuclear weapons or expanding its influence in the region. Israel has been cultivating closer relations with Saudi Arabia as part of an anti-Iran alliance that also includes other Arab states such as Bahrain, UAE and Morocco. The Saudi-Iran rapprochement could undermine this alliance or at least complicate Israel's strategy.
The United States also faces challenges from this development. The US has been trying to revive the nuclear deal with Iran while also reassuring its allies such as Saudi Arabia that it will not abandon them or their security interests. The US may see China's involvement as an unwelcome interference or even a challenge to its leadership role in the region.
In conclusion, China has gained from brokering a truce between Saudi Arabia and Iran by securing its core interests: energy, trade and investments. It has also increased its influence and leverage in the region by playing the role of an honest broker that respects both sides' interests and concerns. The truce has significant implications for the region and beyond, as it can reduce violence and instability, affect nuclear negotiations, undermine anti-Iran alliances, and challenge US leadership.