China’s Role in the Israel-Iran Conflict: A Focus on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

During the 12-day escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, China rapidly positioned itself as a potential mediator and voice of reason amid the regional crisis. This report examines China’s diplomatic actions, economic interests, and strategic approach, emphasizing the alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to peace, justice, strong institutions (SDG 16), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

China’s Diplomatic Response to the Conflict

1. Following Israel’s attack on Iran on June 13, China reached out to both parties advocating for mediation.
2. Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned Israel’s actions as violations of international law, aligning with SDG 16’s focus on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
3. President Xi Jinping called for de-escalation, and China, alongside Russia and Pakistan, urged the United Nations Security Council for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
4. China opposed Iran’s threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need to prevent regional turmoil from impacting global economic development, which relates to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

China’s Non-Interference Policy and Its Limitations

• China maintained its longstanding non-interference policy in foreign conflicts.
• Experts note this approach limits China’s influence as a mediator in the Middle East.
• Despite this, China’s efforts highlight its aspiration to contribute to global peace and stability, supporting SDG 16.

Economic Interests and Strategic Pragmatism

China’s Economic Stakes in the Middle East

• China’s foreign policy is driven by strategic pragmatism, prioritizing economic interests (SDG 8).
• Investments include Israel’s tech sector and the Belt and Road Initiative spanning multiple Middle Eastern countries.
• China depends on the Middle East for over half of its crude oil imports and is the largest consumer of Iranian oil, linking to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
• Conflict threatens oil supply stability and global energy security, which China aims to protect.

Expert Insights on Stability and Energy Security

1. War and instability undermine Chinese investments and global energy prices.
2. China opposes military solutions, seeking peaceful conflict resolution consistent with SDG 16.
3. Preventing skyrocketing oil prices is a top priority to safeguard energy security (SDG 7).

China’s Diplomatic Influence and Challenges

Recognition and Constraints

• US Secretary of State acknowledged China’s influence in preventing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
• China’s diplomatic leverage remains limited due to lack of military presence and Israel’s wariness of China-Iran ties.
• China’s mediation successes include the 2023 Iran-Saudi Arabia normalization and the 2024 Palestinian factions’ unity agreement, demonstrating commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Geopolitical Alignments and Their Impact

1. China’s 25-year strategic partnership with Iran and participation in regional initiatives strengthen ties but complicate neutrality.
2. Iran’s opposition to US hegemony aligns with China’s broader diplomatic interests, contrasting with Israel’s US alliance.
3. This dynamic limits China’s ability to act as an impartial mediator, affecting SDG 16’s promotion of peaceful conflict resolution.

China’s Strategic Dilemma and Future Outlook

Balancing Power and Partnerships

• China seeks recognition as a global power capable of mediating conflicts but faces challenges due to close relationships with specific parties.
• China will likely continue deepening economic engagement in the Middle East while relying on US security presence, reflecting a pragmatic approach to SDG 17.
• US military involvement creates opportunities for China to position itself as a more restrained and responsible power, enhancing its diplomatic standing.

Conclusion

China’s involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict underscores its strategic pragmatism and economic priorities, with a consistent emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution and regional stability. These efforts contribute to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 and SDG 17, by promoting peace, justice, and strong international partnerships essential for sustainable development in the Middle East and beyond.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses conflict mediation, calls for ceasefire, and diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israel-Iran conflict, directly relating to peace and conflict resolution.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • China’s concern about protecting economic interests, investments, trade, and preventing disruption of global economic development connects to sustaining economic growth.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article highlights China’s reliance on Middle Eastern oil imports and concerns about energy security, linking to energy access and security.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • China’s role as a mediator and its involvement in international partnerships and agreements (e.g., Belt and Road, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) relate to global partnerships for sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances.
   • Target 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. For SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
   • Indicator 16.1.4: Conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population, by sex, age and cause.
   • Indicator 16.7.2: Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive.
2. For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
   • Indicator 8.1.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita.
   • Indicator 8.4.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
3. For SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
   • Indicator 7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity.
   • Indicator 7.a.1: International financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy research and development.
4. For SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
   • Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks.
   • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: aljazeera.com