My Take | China ‘win-win’ diplomacy hits wall in Middle East bloodletting
- Beijing’s neutrality means it will not be taken seriously as power broker in Palestine, but that may be best course in a region becoming a quagmire
When it comes to religion, ideology and nationalism, pragmatic diplomacy can take a back seat. All those factors are dialled up to extremes in the latest bloodletting unleashed in the Middle East.
When you are dealing with absolute values, a zero-sum game and deep-seated tribal hatred, there is no room for give and take; dominance and extremism are the order of the day.
Try telling the Israelis and Palestinians that a two-states solution could be a win-win for both sides, you will just be laughed out of court.
China’s position has been consistent and reasonable – hence largely irrelevant: the Palestinians have the right to an independent homeland, which is key to lasting regional peace and stability.
We are not dealing with the rational norms of diplomacy between states, but a tribal-like conflict complicated by a disproportionality of power on one side.
Beijing’s insistence on a policy of neutrality is not so much wrong-headed as irrelevant. It claims it wants to be friends with both sides. But unless China picks a side, it cannot be considered a serious player. It will simply be ignored by all sides, along with some harsh words from the combatants.
