China’s Quest for Superpower Status

Context

• The current war in Gaza again demonstrates the fundamental belief of Beijing to be a global power, but only a power which at this moment has as its goals a further rise and then be at the top of the list of countries that holds such status. 
• Nevertheless, the stating that China has justifiably cautious attitude and limited options but all in the frame of its Western-relationship policies reveal that its small baskets bring forward its insignificance in that respect and so as its quest for superpower status.
• Despite launching a conceptual attack on the Western-centric approach for their adjacent effect to international tranquillity and prosperity, China’s strategy seems to be inherited and lacks specific solutions.

About China and its quest for Super Power Status

China’s attractive role

• Whether the Chinese will act as a balance against American dominance or whether it will continue its appeasing status.
• China puts her best foot forward in West Asia not only due to her energy, trade, investment, and technology links in the area but also thanks to her actions to fasten the advancement of regional development. It buys the most crude oil in the area and it is influencing commercial relations and tech exchanges as well.

China’s Meditation Initiative

• China addressed a mediation initiative, according to which the role of the UN in neutralising conflicts and bringing peace and stability should be strengthened. Based on the premises that build the relationship of respect, justice and fairness, the programs are running. The Chinese side holds the position that discussions and negotiations are a valid method of resolving conflicts of interests and that all parties are equal. This initiative as well stipulates the region’s cooperation competence and the need to identify and solve the root causes of the clash.
• A new international mediation organisation has been set up by China in Hong Kong in which Wang Yi is mandated as a leader. Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the concept of economic cooperation that would include regional countries such as Algeria, Belarus, Cambodia, Djibouti, Indonesia, Laos, Pakistan, Serbia, and Sudan thus paving the way for the signing of the Multilateral Development Bank Agreement (MDBA).

The importance of China’s in the Red Sea crisis

• Although the PRC (People’s Republic of China) has acted behind the scenes through the support of their oil companies by investing in Sudan, it has given less importance to the conflicts of the Red Sea. It backs the Palestinian cause, therefore, not openly criticising Hamas. This puts Qatar in a completely different category from the U.S. whose policies are strongly geared in solidarity with Israel.

The significance of China’s efforts for peace mediation become apparent in this situation

• It adopts mediation diplomacy in situations where the West blunders and hides away from the conflict areas of West Asia. Such aggressiveness promotes China’s geopolitical interests and compensates its influence for the sway of the United States in the region. Moreover, China changes the existing regional dynamics by involving countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE which are following the path of independence and do not hesitate to work with China, even when their relationship with the USA is long and deep.

Conclusion

• Ultimately the fact, China shows its desire for global leadership by interfering in the process of global policy making, at least when the matter of the Middle East reflects its attitude. 
• Nevertheless, the prospects of China’s mediation initiatives seem doable, and by participating in international affairs and by seeking peace, China is demonstrating that they intend to shape international relations and peacekeeping. whereas China counts to be among the world powers, it seeks to surpass Western influence and take its seat by means of economic attractiveness as well as diplomatic tools and influence the situation in Southeast Asia.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q.Discuss China’s evolving role in international relations, with a focus on its quest for superpower status and its mediation initiatives in conflict-prone regions like West Asia. Analyse the implications of China’s proactive diplomacy for global geopolitics and the existing world order.

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