Original
China’s Quasi-Mediation Diplomacy in the Middle East in the 21st Century
Abstract
This study examines China’s quasi-mediation diplomacy in the Middle East as a limited form of conflict management. Rather than viewing mediation as dispute resolution, quasi-mediation is framed as a strategy for China to engage regionally while minimizing political and reputational risk. Through cases such as the 2023 Saudi-Iran rapprochement and China’s involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict, the article argues that quasi-mediation allows China to signal responsible power, manage regional instability, and expand its diplomatic visibility, without taking on coercive leverage or implementation. The analysis reveals that China’s efforts are more about reputational signaling and risk management than conflict resolution. Ultimately, quasi-mediation reflects China’s global ambitions and the constraints of its non-interference policy in a multipolar world.
中文
21世纪中国在中东的准调解外交
摘要
本研究考察中国在中东的准调解外交，将其视为一种有限形式的冲突管理。本文并不把调解视为争端解决，而是将准调解界定为中国在参与地区事务的同时尽量降低政治与声誉风险的一种战略。通过2023年沙特-伊朗和解以及中国在巴以冲突中的介入等案例，文章认为，准调解使中国得以释放负责任大国信号、管理地区不稳定并扩大其外交能见度，而无需承担强制性杠杆或执行责任。分析表明，中国的努力更多关乎声誉信号与风险管理，而非冲突解决。最终，准调解反映了中国的全球抱负及其不干涉政策在多极化世界中的制约。
关键词
中国外交、准调解、中东、冲突管理、沙伊和解、巴以冲突、不干涉政策、多极化