The China Factor in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Can China Be a Viable Alternative to US Mediation?

This study investigates China’s potential mediation role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ‎considering the geopolitical and economic dimensions of this conflict, diplomatic practices, and ‎the history of involvement. The non-interference policy of China and its balanced relationship ‎with Israel and Palestine may provide an alternative to US mediation, which has been criticized ‎for perceived bias. This is the focus of the research. Using a qualitative abductive desk-study ‎approach, this study employs text, comparative, and policy analysis methods to study China’s ‎mediation potential. The main findings suggest that the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) ‎neutrality and economic power could create trust between parties, leading to a sustainable peace ‎process, though challenges remain due to regional dynamics and historical biases. The study ‎recommends that China could play a significant role in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian ‎conflict through multilateral cooperation and a focus on humanitarian and developmental needs. ‎This claim is supported by China’s activities and efforts in Haiti, Africa, Syria, Gaza, and the ‎Saudi-Iran Deal.