China and Conflict Management in the Middle East

ROUTLEDGE COMPANION TO CHINA AND THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

BOOK CHAPTER ABSTRACT: What is China’s approach towards conflict and its management in the Middle East? How has it evolved in the decades since its first contact with the region? And now that China is becoming a global power, is it now changing and what are the implications? To answer these questions, the chapter takes a conceptual and long-term historical perspective. The first part looks at what conflict is and its management entails. Consideration of third parties and their contribution to exacerbating tensions or defusing tensions is also provided.

The second part then examines China’s historical record towards conflict in the Middle East. Starting in the mid-1950s, China’s position towards conflict has shifted, sometimes exacerbating it while in other instances seeking to avoid it. More recently, it has indicated that it may be prepared to take on a more active role in mitigating it. In so doing, it is worth noting China’s wider international relations, since its position towards conflict has often been taken with regard to opportunities to advance itself both regionally and globally. In addition, it is one that has prioritised conflict management over other responses towards conflict, including transformational ones.

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