How China's challenge to Trump's Gaza proposal may increase Beijing's Mideast influence

[WORLD] In recent years, China has increasingly focused on expanding its global influence, including in the Middle East. With its growing economic clout and a more assertive foreign policy, Beijing has begun to challenge traditional powers, especially the United States, in regions where Washington has long been the dominant force. One of the most notable areas of competition has been in the Middle East, where the Gaza conflict has once again become a point of contention. China's response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan is seen as an opportunity for Beijing to not only assert itself diplomatically but also enhance its strategic position in this geopolitically vital region.

China’s Strategic Vision for the Middle East

The Middle East has long been a region of critical interest for global powers due to its oil resources, trade routes, and political dynamics. Historically, the U.S. has been the dominant player in the region, especially in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, China's foreign policy approach is distinct, and Beijing has been making significant inroads into the region. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which seeks to strengthen trade and infrastructure ties across Asia, Africa, and Europe, has already made substantial investments in Middle Eastern countries. As a result, China’s influence in the region has steadily increased, though it has traditionally maintained a policy of non-interference in regional politics.

The Trump Gaza Plan: A Turning Point

The Trump administration’s "Peace to Prosperity" plan, introduced in 2020, was one of the most controversial attempts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The plan, which heavily favored Israel, was met with widespread rejection from the Palestinian leadership and many Arab countries. The U.S. was accused of sidelining Palestinian interests in favor of Israeli priorities, which led to widespread protests and criticism.

From China’s perspective, the Trump Gaza plan was seen as a direct challenge to the Palestinian cause, which China has traditionally supported. Beijing has long maintained a policy of supporting Palestinian statehood and has sought to portray itself as a champion of the oppressed in the Middle East, contrasting itself with the U.S., which is often seen as aligned with Israel. As such, China’s reaction to the Trump plan became an opportunity to assert its influence and present itself as a viable alternative to the U.S. in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

China’s Diplomatic Response to Trump’s Gaza Plan

China’s challenge to Trump’s Gaza plan was swift and decisive. The Chinese government issued statements reaffirming its commitment to Palestinian sovereignty and condemned the U.S. proposal. Beijing’s approach was clear: it would not support any peace plan that ignored Palestinian rights or undermined international consensus on the two-state solution.

"China is firmly opposed to any unilateral actions that harm the rights and interests of the Palestinian people," stated a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson in response to the plan. This statement echoed China’s longstanding support for Palestinian statehood and its desire to present itself as a neutral party that could mediate peace in the region, in contrast to Washington's perceived bias toward Israel.

In addition to its diplomatic rhetoric, China also called for greater international cooperation in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Beijing emphasized the importance of multilateralism, urging the United Nations and other global stakeholders to play a more significant role in the peace process. This approach is part of China’s broader strategy of promoting itself as a leader of a new world order based on cooperation, rather than confrontation, and it contrasts with the U.S.-centric, often unilateral approach that has dominated international diplomacy for decades.

How China’s Challenge Could Strengthen Its Influence in the Middle East

China’s firm stance on the Gaza conflict, particularly in opposition to Trump’s plan, offers a number of potential benefits for Beijing in terms of bolstering its influence in the Middle East. Here are several ways in which this challenge could help China strengthen its position:

1. Gaining Diplomatic Credibility

By positioning itself as a defender of Palestinian rights, China gains diplomatic credibility in the Arab world and among Muslim-majority countries. Many countries in the region have long been frustrated with the U.S. stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and China's support for Palestinian sovereignty provides a clear contrast. In the eyes of many Middle Eastern nations, China is seen as a more neutral and objective actor, not beholden to the geopolitical alliances that often complicate the peace process.

This diplomatic credibility is crucial for Beijing as it seeks to expand its influence in the region. China’s involvement in regional peace initiatives and its firm position on the Gaza issue could pave the way for stronger political and economic ties with Arab countries, many of which are also part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

2. Economic Opportunities and Investments

China’s challenge to the Trump Gaza plan is not only a matter of ideology but also a strategic opportunity to enhance its economic influence. As China continues to expand its presence in the Middle East through investments in infrastructure, energy, and trade, its diplomatic support for Palestinian interests can be used to bolster its economic partnerships with Arab nations.

China has already invested heavily in the Middle East, with projects like the construction of ports, highways, and railways under the BRI framework. By aligning itself with Palestinian rights, Beijing strengthens its relationships with countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar, which have significant political influence in the region. These nations may view China’s stance as a commitment to regional stability and development, further incentivizing economic cooperation.

3. Creating a Counterbalance to U.S. Influence

China’s challenge to Trump’s Gaza plan is also part of a broader strategy to counterbalance U.S. influence in the Middle East. As the U.S. has become increasingly focused on other parts of the world, particularly China’s rise in Asia, Beijing sees an opportunity to fill the void in the Middle East. By offering an alternative to Washington’s policies, particularly in terms of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, China can present itself as a more reliable partner for countries seeking to diversify their international relationships.

4. Building a New Security Architecture

In addition to economic and diplomatic ties, China is also seeking to expand its security footprint in the Middle East. While it does not have the military presence in the region that the U.S. has, China has been building partnerships with countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in terms of security cooperation, counterterrorism, and regional stability.

China’s active engagement in the Gaza issue can also be framed as part of a larger security agenda aimed at reducing tensions and promoting peace in the Middle East. By positioning itself as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, China enhances its role as a regional peacekeeper and creates opportunities for greater security cooperation with key Middle Eastern powers.

5. Increasing Soft Power through Cultural Diplomacy

China’s support for Palestinian statehood also enhances its soft power in the Middle East. Cultural exchanges, educational programs, and media outreach can complement China’s diplomatic initiatives. By aligning itself with causes that resonate with the people of the Middle East, particularly the Palestinian cause, China gains goodwill that extends beyond governmental and economic circles to broader public opinion.

This soft power expansion, combined with China's economic initiatives, can solidify its long-term influence in the region and help shape the future of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

China’s challenge to Donald Trump’s Gaza plan represents a pivotal moment in the Middle East’s diplomatic landscape. As the U.S. continues to reduce its influence in the region, China is seizing the opportunity to assert itself as a key player in Middle Eastern affairs. By supporting Palestinian statehood and opposing unilateral U.S. proposals, China enhances its diplomatic credibility, economic partnerships, and soft power in the region.

Beijing’s actions signal a shift in the balance of power in the Middle East, where traditional U.S. influence is being increasingly challenged by China’s rise as a global power. While it is too early to predict the long-term effects of this challenge, it is clear that China’s active engagement in Middle Eastern diplomacy, particularly on the Gaza issue, could significantly boost its regional influence in the years to come.