In the last 1.5-2 years, we observe a beginning shift in the traditional diplomacy of the People’s Republic of China. The trade war initiated during Trump’s administration, embargoes against Chinese technology companies, the U.S.-backed attempt at a color revolution in Hong Kong, the psychological warfare news related to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region by almost all Western-backed media, and the “genocide” lies led by the U.S., are seen as the main reasons for China’s shift in foreign policy.

SAUDI ARABIA: WE SUPPORT CHINA’S POLICIES IN XINJIANG AND HONG KONG

During Wang’s first stop in Saudi Arabia, significant topics such as the Gulf Free Trade Agreement and the China-Arab summit were on the table. The statement by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, “We support China’s policies in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. We oppose interference in China’s internal affairs and attempts to create discord between China and the Islamic world,” was notably important. We know that Saudi Arabia has been negotiating with Russia to purchase S-400s for more than two years. The crumbling hegemony of the U.S. and especially the strained U.S.-Saudi relations following the Biden administration’s halting of arms sales to Saudi Arabia and decisions related to Jamal Khashoggi, indicate that even Saudi Arabia might exit the Atlantic camp.

The second stop for Wang Yi was Turkey. In the meetings, which were extensively covered in our newspaper and held in a remarkably friendly atmosphere, both countries expressed their will to establish a “strategic partnership.”

Following this meeting, Western media continues to publish evaluations under titles such as “Erdoğan is moving with China and Russia against the West.” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also made an assessment stating, “China and Russia are surrounding Western allies through divisions within NATO.”

HISTORIC AGREEMENT WITH IRAN

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Iranian counterpart, Javad Zarif, signed a 25-year cooperation agreement between the two allies on Saturday. The signing ceremony was broadcast live on Iranian state television.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that the document serves as a roadmap for trade, economy, and transportation, focusing also on both parties’ private sectors.

Wang Yi stated, “Iran decides on its relations with other countries independently. It is not like countries that change their position with a single phone call.” He also mentioned, “China is ready to work with Iran and other countries to jointly oppose bullying actions, support international equality and justice, and defend the basic norms of international relations.”

Wang Yi then moved on to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He stated, “China will continue its efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Gulf, supporting the UAE’s independence in choosing its development path and opposing external interference in the UAE’s internal affairs, China with its 50-year national development strategy will enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with the UAE to a higher level, strengthening the synergy between the construction of a new development paradigm.” Today, Wang Yi is expected to proceed to Oman and Bahrain.

CHINA PROPOSES A 5-POINT PLAN FOR SECURITY AND STABILITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Moreover, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a 5-point plan titled “Wang Yi Initiates a Security and Stability Enhancement Effort in West Asia” during his regional visit. The announcement stated, “West Asia currently faces numerous hotspots and complex issues that seriously influence global security and stability. All stakeholders in the international community should play an active role in enhancing the security and stability of West Asia. China is willing to propose the following initiatives”:

Mutual Respect: West Asia has its unique civilization, social, and political systems. We must respect the characteristics, models, and paths of West Asia. Instead of blindly viewing West Asia through a geopolitical competition perspective, we should see West Asian countries as partners in cooperation, development, and peace. We must support West Asian countries in exploring their paths of independent development, prioritize the countries and peoples of the region, and promote the political resolution of hot issues such as in Syria, Yemen, Libya, and other areas. We should encourage dialogue and exchange between cultures and ensure that all ethnic groups in West Asia can coexist peacefully. China continues to want to play a constructive role in this regard.

Equality and Justice: The most evident thing to achieve equality and justice in West Asia is to resolve the Palestine issue and implement the “two-state solution.” We support the active participation of the international community and the organization of an authoritative international conference when conditions mature. During its presidency in May this year, China is willing to support a comprehensive assessment of the Palestinian issue by the Security Council and reconfirm the “two-state solution.” China will continue to invite negotiators from the Palestinian and Israeli sides for direct talks in China.

Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: All parties should take practical steps to discuss and formulate a roadmap for the US and Iran to continue implementing the comprehensive Iran nuclear deal. The highest priority is for the US to lift unilateral sanctions against Iran and “long-arm jurisdiction” over third parties to restart mutual compliance with Iran’s nuclear commitments. The international community should also support the efforts of regional countries to establish a West Asia free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

Collective Security: While promoting security and stability in West Asia, the legitimate concerns of all parties must be considered. Equal dialogue and consultation among the Gulf countries, fostering mutual understanding and compromise, and enhancing relationships are essential. A decisive stance against terrorism and radicalization is necessary. China proposes organizing a multilateral dialogue conference for regional security in the Gulf, securing oil facilities and transportation routes, and establishing a West Asia security mechanism framework for collective, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.

Development and Cooperation: Sustaining peace and security in the Middle East requires development, cooperation, and integration. It’s necessary to unite to overcome COVID-19 and achieve economic and social recovery as soon as possible. The resource accumulations of different countries in the region should be utilized to aid in the reconstruction of post-conflict countries, support more diversified economic growth in oil-producing countries, and promote development and revitalization in other West Asia countries. China will continue to organize the China-Arab Reform and Development Forum and the West Asia Security Forum to enhance the sharing of governance experience with West Asian countries.