China’s growing importance in the world of diplomacy

China is considered one of the most powerful countries in the world. Its quick economic growth has also increased its relevance in world affairs. There is considerable activity on the diplomatic front also, with China having a large number of embassies and consulates around the world, especially in Africa, where its role as a financier has given it much influence.

Chinese economic muscle has allowed it to fund diplomatic missions around the world and engage in a range of diplomatic activities that bring with them much prestige. This newfound diplomatic prestige has the potential to result in the establishment of economic, social, and strategic partnerships. Over the last few years, China’s role in international conflicts has not only been viewed as constructive but also welcomed as a stabilizing force. For example, it mediated normalcy in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which was an unexpected development in the Middle East. Where it was able to achieve a peaceful normalization of relations between the two conflicting powers in the Middle East, it was also able to tear down the monopoly of the United States as the principal external actor in the region.

Then, its welcome of the Taliban ambassador to Beijing and stationing of its own ambassador in Kabul – an action tantamount to recognising the government in Kabul – also proved to be one based on the principles of realpolitik. This move has secured China’s relations with the Taliban, who have historically provided refuge and sometimes weapons and personnel to the East Turkestan freedom movement in China’s troubled Xinjiang. China’s move not only provided it with valuable rapport with the Taliban but it also opened the doors of economic opportunities that it can tap inside Afghanistan. Its agreement with the Taliban over Lithium deposits in Afghanistan will provide Afghanistan with 120,000 jobs and $10bn investment. According to reports, numerous other projects are also under discussion. Again, the principal actor that it replaced in Afghanistan is the United States, which had total control of Afghan territory and resources for two decades.

Although the Chinese move may not be well-received in Western circles, it is being viewed with much admiration in the region because of two reasons. One, the hasty American withdrawal from Afghanistan and its blockade of Afghan money had created a serious financial crisis in Afghanistan that had serious repercussions for the people. Chinese investment has the potential to uplift the war-torn Afghan economy. Second, other countries in the region, like Pakistan and Iran, have expressed deep concerns related to cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. In order to curb terrorism, economic progress is necessary. Perhaps this is why the Chinese talks with Afghanistan were aided by the Pakistani diplomats in Kabul. Resultantly, China’s relevance in Afghanistan comes with increased strategic cooperation with Pakistan, Iran, and other regional actors. The once American-dominated Af-Pak region now seems to be dominated by China.

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Moving on, the recent exchange of cross-border military strikes between Pakistan and Iran and the subsequent Chinese efforts to bring about de-escalation showed observers in the region that China’s role in the region is that of a stabilizing one. Where the American State Department openly criticized Iran’s reckless actions and called it a ‘leading funder of terrorism in the region’, China’s policy showed restraint that allowed it to engage both countries in diplomacy. This shows that China’s careful approach in conflicts refrains it from criticizing any party as “evil”, which provides it with considerable room for diplomacy. The general trend in Chinese foreign policy is therefore to approach international conflicts with caution and make efforts to solve them diplomatically. The same difference in foreign policy approaches between China and the US can also be seen in the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Thus, it is quite clear that China’s relevance in the world of diplomacy is on the rise. It is most clearly visible in Asia, where China enjoys geographical proximity to many of the actors. In most diplomatic conflicts in this region, if not all, it is replacing the United States as the most important actor. Its economic might coupled with its careful foreign policy provides it with the necessary space for constructive roles in potentially devastating conflicts. It seems that China’s relevance in the diplomatic world, particularly in Asia, is set to increase in the future.

Opinion written by Syed Asadullah Qazi.