The 21st Century has seen a significant shift in China’s diplomatic profile, where it has transitioned into a more interventionist role in shaping international political outcomes after being historically cautious about its role in world affairs. Such a change is evident in its increasingly active involvement as a mediator across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, with Beijing establishing itself as a conflict facilitator. This participation indicates not only a need by China to safeguard its strategic and economic interests but also an ambition to shape the emerging protocols of international diplomacy. With the balance in global power relations shifting towards multipolarity, the mediation role played by China provides a crucial point of reference through which one may gauge its larger foreign policy direction, the strategic considerations involved, and ambitions as a great power in the world.
China’s evolving identity as a global mediator also needs to be understood within the broader debate over the transformation of global governance. To achieve this transformation, I argue for a number of tactics, mostly in line with how China has engaged with conflicts under President Xi’s leadership. First, Zhao Leji, the chairman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress, calls for high-level diplomatic visits and talks as the primary form of involvement in order to clearly signal its dedication to solving the crisis.2 High-level diplomatic visits and negotiations are emphasized as the primary mode of engagement, signaling China’s commitment to conflict resolution. This is particularly appealing to states in the Global South, many of which are wary of Western interventionism. Thus, China’s participation in mediation is not merely a tactical tool for specific disputes but also a strategic attempt to reshape the norms of international conflict resolution. By positioning itself as a constructive mediator, China also enhances its soft power image in contrast to perceptions of military assertiveness in the South China Sea or its tense relations with the West.
Equally important is the symbolic dimension of mediation. By hosting dialogues, sponsoring negotiations, and proposing peace plans, Beijing presents itself as a responsible great power willing to contribute to international peace. This contrasts with the perception of Western decline in global leadership, especially after setbacks in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the wider Middle East. The question, however, is whether China’s mediation efforts are genuinely impartial attempts to secure peace or calculated moves to strengthen its strategic leverage. This duality between altruism and selfinterest forms the central tension of China’s mediation diplomacy in the 21st century.
Related Publications
