Author: Ebrahim Yousefnejad
All rights and intellectual property rights of this note are reserved for the Iranian Trade Center in China.
China’s mediation in the restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia after seven years of severance is considered a turning point in regional diplomacy and international order. This diplomatic success, while accelerating the process of de-dollarization in international trade, presents a new picture of China’s role in global equations.
China’s Motives and Goals
In a detailed interview with Tasnim, China’s ambassador to Tehran, Chang Hua, explained Beijing’s main motivations for this mediation. According to him, “China’s main goal and fundamental starting point for promoting the Iran-Saudi Arabia talks in Beijing is to promote peace and dialogue, and to maintain and promote regional peace and stability.”
This approach reflects China’s new strategy towards global security issues. Chang Hua emphasized that “facts and history have repeatedly proven that pitting one faction against another, dividing and governing, and confrontation between camps has never been the right way to deal with security issues.”
China versus American hegemony
One of the most important aspects of the Chinese ambassador’s talk was his outspoken criticism of US policies in the region. He highlighted the negative impact of US presence in the region, citing “foreign interference as a major factor undermining the security and stability of the Middle East region.”
Regarding the negative reactions of the West to China’s mediation, Chang Hua stated: “The US and the West are abusing the hegemony of public opinion, manipulating controversial issues and carrying out deceptive propaganda.” This stance reflects the growing competition between the two superpowers for regional influence.
No power vacuum
In response to the West’s claim that China is exploiting a “power vacuum” in the region, the Chinese ambassador took a clear stance: “China has always believed that there is no so-called power vacuum in the Middle East, as some countries are shouting, and that the people of the Middle East own the future and destiny of the region.”
This view reflects China’s approach of respecting the sovereignty of regional countries and is in contrast to America’s interventionist policies.
Mediation Achievements
Chang Hua described the achievements of China’s mediation as threefold:
First : “A stronger guarantee for maintaining regional peace and stability, which is of great importance for strengthening the unity and cooperation of the countries of the region and reducing regional tensions.”
Second : “Providing an important model for countries around the world to resolve disputes through negotiation and consultation.”
Third : “Providing an extraordinary model for supporting global security initiatives and building a human community with a shared future.”
Dedollarization and financial developments
An important part of the Chinese ambassador’s interview was devoted to the issue of US sanctions and the process of de-dollarization. Chang Hua emphasized that “the United States has so far imposed illegal economic sanctions on nearly 40 countries in the world, affecting nearly half of the world’s population.”
Regarding the effects of these policies on the global financial system, he stated: “Since the United States government uses the dollar as a tool to protect its geopolitical interests and restrain the development of other economic systems, the outside world’s trust in the dollar has declined sharply.”
Economic cooperation between Iran and China
The Chinese ambassador also addressed bilateral economic relations and referred to the “China-Iran Comprehensive Cooperation Plan” as the grand framework for the future of relations between the two countries. He emphasized that “this plan determines the vision and direction of long-term cooperation between the two sides and provides a grand framework for the future of future cooperation between China and Iran.”
Regarding Iran’s role in the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, Chang Hua noted: “Iran is located in the key region of the land and maritime Silk Road and has been an important node on the Silk Road since the past.”
The Ukrainian Crisis and Peace Diplomacy
In the final part of the interview, the Chinese ambassador explained Beijing’s position on the Ukrainian crisis. He said: “Since the beginning of the Ukrainian crisis, China has always taken an objective and fair position and actively promoted peace negotiations.”
Chang Hua emphasized that “history has shown that all disputes have ultimately been resolved through dialogue and negotiation,” reflecting China’s overall philosophy towards resolving international disputes.
Conclusion
China’s successful mediation in restoring relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia represents a fundamental shift in the international order. This success, while accelerating the process of de-dollarization and reducing American influence in the region, introduces Beijing as a new major power in global equations.
The Chinese ambassador’s remarks show that Beijing is considering a comprehensive strategy to replace the US hegemonic order with one based on mutual respect, negotiation, and win-win cooperation. This approach could provide a new model for resolving international disputes and managing global relations.
Also, China’s emphasis on “a new security path with dialogue instead of confrontation, partnership instead of alliance, and win-win instead of zero-sum” reflects the country’s different approach compared to the traditional policies of great powers.
