By Li Chao
The resumption of the once-frozen diplomatic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran by Chinese mediation before the holy month of Ramadan gained global attention. This historic icebreaker may bring hope for peace in the Middle East, given the political and economic weight of both Saudi Arabia and Iran in the region’s balance of power; as a preliminary understanding was reached in the Chinese capital despite the circumstances that severed ties between the two countries previously.
There is no doubt that the Saudi-Iran Deal is crucial for the stability of the entire Middle East; since creating an example for reconciliation between conflicting countries in the region will help the countries concerned enjoy security and prosperity. It is noteworthy that Saudi-US ties date back over eight decades and pertain to various fields, mainly energy and defense, while US-Iran relations pertain to the nuclear file and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
We cannot predict the exact future of Saudi-Iran ties; but given the fact that the Deal was highly embraced, adding to that, China’s growing influence over the Middle East, China’s role in the Tehran-Riyadh agreement is definitely as imperative as the Deal itself because the improvement in relations between the two powerful countries at the crossway of East and West will positively affect global peace and security.
China is known to be a major country that adopts balanced policies, and its relations with countries all around the world enjoy a great deal of appreciation and respect. China has never interfered in the affairs of other countries, and with the three summits held last December in Riyadh, including the China-Arab States Summit and the China-GCC Summit, in addition to the Chinese president’s visit to Saudi Arabia, which highlighted Beijing’s great interest in the countries of the region and their development, many believe that China is a trustworthy partner whose mediation of the Deal adds momentum and credibility.
China has played and continues to play a key and effective role in concluding the Deal because it is well aware of the importance of this region for China as well as the world. The recovery of Saudi-Iran relations depends on implementing and adhering to the terms of the agreement. Having good intentions is only the first
step, keeping in mind that fulfilling the terms of this Deal is no less important than the Deal itself.