作者/Author(s): Jon B. Alterman 

網站來源/Source: Foreign Policy 

日期/Date: 02/14/2024 

關鍵字/Keywords: 民主、中東 

摘要 

當中國成功斡旋沙烏地阿拉伯和伊朗的和平談判後,許多人希望中國多做一些事情來幫忙和緩中東地區的緊張局勢。然而,隨著以色列與哈馬斯衝突的爆發,就算中國與該地區關係密切,中國的行動也不多。此外,當胡塞人攻擊紅海的船隻破壞貿易時,中國似乎無法或不願行動來實踐其與盟友的利益,北京尋求削弱美國在該地區的影響力,但更多的是為了自身的利益。 

  • 中國對中東石油的依賴是一個長期弱點,中國持續享受著美國在該地區提供的安全保障 
  • 中國希望與美國共存,而不是取代它。它鼓勵中東國家接受與中國和美國之間建立更緊密關係 
  • 中東國家歡迎中國擴大其在該地區的影響力。美國向中東國家施壓,要求它們推動自由化,而北京則在不干涉的情況下提供了更多的經濟機會
  • 中國學者經常批評美國在中東的角色。他們聲稱美國破壞了該地區穩定,也不尊重中東領導人 
  • 雖然中國成功調解了沙烏地阿拉伯與伊朗的協議,但並沒有為近期的中東衝突提供多少幫助,而西方則試圖拯救生命、緩和緊張局勢、紓解全球貿易危機。
  • 最近的衝突確實損害了中國的利益,但中國只想保護其國家利益,而不願為停止危機做出貢獻
 
Summary: 
When China mediated the peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, many hoped China could play a greater role in providing peace in the Middle East. However, as the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out, China only did a little despite having close ties with the region. Further, as the Houthis attacked ships in the Red Sea that disrupted trade, China seems unable or unwilling to act to advance its and its allies' interests. Beijing seeks to undermine US regional influence but is more for its self-interests. 
  • China's reliance on Middle East oil is a constant vulnerability. Therefore, China enjoyed the security protection offered by the US in the region. 
  • China hopes to coexist with the US rather than replace it. It encourages Middle Eastern countries to accept closer relations with China and the US. 
  • Middle Eastern countries welcomed the increased China regional role. While the US pressured Middle Eastern states to liberalize, Beijing offered greater economic opportunities without much interference. 
  • Chinese scholars often criticize the US role in the Middle East. They claimed the US not only destabilized the region but also disrespected Middle Eastern leaders. 
  • Although China managed to mediate the Saudi-Iran deal, it did not offer much for the recent Middle East conflicts, while the West tried to save lives, reduce tensions, and alleviate global trade crises. 
  • The recent conflicts did harm Chinese interests, but China only wanted to protect its national interest without contributing to stop the crises.