Description
The research uses Role Theory to explore China’s motivations and approaches to mediate between Saudi Arabia and Iran. From this theoretical angle, the study explains how China’s modern history and domestic ideological trends shaped China’s international roles, which direct China’s foreign policies in mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
China’s roles as a stood-tall state, a Chinese nation-state, and a Chinese responsible power all together direct Chinese mediation efforts between Saudi Arabia and Iran. China’s aim of standing tall from its modern history, in which the West suppressed and colonised China, shaped China’s non-interventionism and anti-US hegemony mentality. Therefore, as a stood-tall state, China despises US hegemony in the Middle East but is reluctant to intervene in the region. Instead, China prefers the regional states to resolve the conflicts. China hopes that with its mediation, Iran and Saudi Arabia will turn to a cooperative relationship, thus mitigating the US influence in the region. As a Chinese nation-state, China aims to protect its investments and the oil route from security threats caused by regional conflicts. Better relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran may lead to a stable region, providing more secure conditions for China’s economic interests. Moreover, China can strengthen relations with the region by reducing US influence and maintaining good relations with both regional powers. In addition, the Chinese government also portrayed its mediation as undertaking world responsibility, which performs its role as a responsible Chinese power.
