Why China emerges as trusted mediator in Middle East tensions

The military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran over the past month have spread the conflict to multiple countries, with ripple effects continuing to expand, severely undermining global peace and stability.

Amid this turmoil, China has distinguished itself as an active mediator. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has held dozens of phone calls and four in-person meetings with his counterparts in multiple countries, ranging from the Middle East and Asia to Europe.

On Thursday alone, Wang spoke with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Kaja Kallas, the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy of the European Commission.

Prior to these calls, Wang and his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar put forward five proposals on restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region and the Middle East during their one-on-one meeting in Beijing on Tuesday. In the remaining days of March, the Chinese foreign minister also held 18 calls with officials from multiple countries including Iran, Israel, the UK, Russia and France.

Analysts say these extensive discussions demonstrate China's suitability as a mediator, with its efforts to promote dialogue and peace widely recognized.

Wang Jin, director of the Center for Strategic Studies at Northwest University in China, said that among the world's major powers, the US has already become directly involved in the conflict with Iran, and its repeated calls for dialogue are perceived as insincere, leaving Tehran unresponsive.

Noting that Russia and European countries have either stand to benefit from rising oil prices or openly criticized Iran over the Strait of Hormuz blockade, Wang said this leaves them with limited motivation and legitimacy to mediate.

Against this backdrop, China has emerged as a more suitable mediator and has played a constructive role, earning Iran's recognition and broad praise from the international community, Wang added.

Qin Tian, deputy director of the Middle East Studies Institute at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, added that while some developing countries and European nations are dissatisfied with the war launched by the US and Israel, their relatively distant relations with Iran make them less suited to promote dialogue and de-escalation.

China's track record in the Middle East reinforces its credibility. It has consistently supported "Palestinians governing Palestine," facilitated the historic Saudi-Iran reconciliation in March 2023, and committed to strengthening ties with Arab nations through the first China-Arab States Summit and China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in 2022. The second China-Arab States Summit is scheduled for later this year.

Regarding European countries seeking to enhance communication with China rather than the US amid ongoing Middle East tensions, Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, said the European Union is deeply frustrated this time because the United States launched military actions on Iran without consulting or informing them, and then expected NATO to step in and assist.

The Strait of Hormuz – a crucial energy corridor – adds to EU concerns, as it is vital for energy imports and global connectivity, Wang said, adding that US President Donald Trump's attempt to draw the EU into confrontation with Iran, coupled with renewed threats to withdraw from NATO, has further strained relations.

Against this backdrop, European nations see China as the only actor capable of engaging all stakeholders meaningfully, especially as Trump prepares to visit China and the country prepares to host the second China-Arab States Summit later this year, Wang said.

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