A diplomatic eye on Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- Source: Global Times
- [22:15 June 21 2010]
- Comments
GT: Can you see any feasible way to achieve peace in the region?
Chen: To be very frank, I don't think an effective and feasible solution has been figured out. Many UN resolutions have been passed, and mediators established.
They may have a role to play, but it is hard to say how functional they are in bringing real peace to the Middle East.
It is often said that internal causes are stronger determining factors than external causes. The principle does not always apply here.
Israel is allied with the US, and Palestine is supported by 22 Arab nations. The Middle East peace process has a lot to do with US foreign strategy, just as it does with politics within the Arab world.
Peace was so close in 1999 when Israel planned to hand over 95 percent of land on the West Bank, but the deal eventually failed, since it did not gain much support as had been expected.
Despite all the difficulties, I'm optimistic that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be solved sooner or later.
GT: There is a well-known diplomatic doctrine that a country does not have permanent friends, only permanent interests. Does it apply to China's policy in the Middle East?
Chen: On a personal level, friendship and a sincere embrace of other cultures are key to diplomacy. I have made a lot of friends in the Middle East, including King Abdullah II of Jordan, Israeli President Shimon Peres, and many other leaders. Sincere friendship has helped boost China's image and promote bilateral ties.
China has a unique role to play in the Middle East. I don't quite agree with the doctrine about permanent friends and permanent interests.
A good foreign policy is one that can combine morality with national interests. This is the strategy that China has adopted in the Middle East.
It is true that China does have its strategic demand for energy to meet in some parts of the Middle East. Yet that demand is far less than that of Western countries.
And when it comes to the Israel- Palestine region, China is even more disinterested. That enables it to take a stance in strict accordance with moral values. As in the recent Israeli attack on humanitarian vessels, China condemns violence and at the same time urges both sides to exercise restraint.
China is on good terms with both sides, allowing it to assume a constructive stance.
