Prof. ST Hsieh
Director, US-China Energy Industry Forum
626-376-7460
October 14, 2023
The US and China have completely different approaches to the middle east politics. While the US has been the predominate influencer in the region since the end of WWII, China looks at long term and does not have any desire of immediate direct actions. The US has been unyieldingly supporting Israel and engaged in political and military wars in the region. So, the only positive outcome of the current war is that Blinken got to talk with Wang again: The two sides noted the importance of maintaining open channels of communication and responsibly managing the U.S.-China relationship. On the other hand, as the US is preoccupied by the proxy war in Ukraine and the new war in middle east, the US and China could be left alone with some quiet diplomacy rather than the global headlines all the time.
As of now, China really does not have any direct role to play in terms of mediating any cease fire deal. China will send a special envoy to middle east, like the proxy war in Ukraine, for meetings with both sides. But the key of war and peace resides in the US hands alone.
Ultimately, it falls on the shoulder of the greatest foreign policy expert in the US history: President Joe Biden. But his major challenge is not the waring parties on the foreign ground: it is his home court “disadvantage.” Biden is overseeing an extremely divided house at home: the inter-party strife in the two major political parties respectively, Democrats vs Republicans, as well as intra-party rivalries. Then the 2024 general election in the US is about 13 months away. It is doubtful Biden, as a candidate for reelection, will be able to manage all these challenges simultaneously. God Bless America!
Secretary Blinken’s Call with People’s Republic of China (PRC) Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi
10/14/2023 07:43 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with PRC Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
As part of the Administration’s intensive diplomatic engagements to stand with Israel and condemn the terrorist attacks by Hamas, the Secretary reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself and called for an immediate cessation of Hamas’ attacks and the release of all hostages. The Secretary also discussed the importance of maintaining stability in the region and discouraging other parties from entering the conflict.
The two sides noted the importance of maintaining open channels of communication and responsibly managing the U.S.-China relationship.
China stresses major powers’ impartiality, restraint during communication with US on Palestine-Israel conflict
By Global Times Published: Oct 14, 2023 09:53 PM
China’s top diplomat Wang Yi on Saturday had a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the latter’s invitation, during which Blinken briefed Wang on the escalating situation in the Middle East during his ongoing visit, and the US position on the current Palestine-Israel conflict.
The Chinese Foreign Minister, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, noted that when dealing with international regional hotspot issues, major powers should adhere to objectivity and impartiality, maintain calm and restraint and take the lead in abiding by international law.
China will continue to promote peace and dialogue, adding that the US should play a constructive role and push for the issue to return to the track of political settlement, Wang said.
Wang stated that the Palestine-Israel conflict is escalating and facing the risk of spiraling out of control. China opposes any actions that harm civilians and condemns any practices that violate international law. China believes that safeguarding its own security should not come at the expense of innocent civilians. Military means do not represent a way out, and resorting to violence will only lead to a vicious cycle.
Wang pointed out that an immediate priority is to achieve a ceasefire and de-escalation as soon as possible, to avoid exacerbating the humanitarian disaster. It is necessary to adhere to international humanitarian law and open up humanitarian aid channels, as well as support the UN in consolidating international consensus and the UN Security Council in playing its due role.
Wang emphasized that the fundamental solution to the Palestine issue lies in implementing a “two-state solution” and establishing an independent Palestinian state, achieving peaceful coexistence between the two sides. Without reconciliation between the Arab and Israeli nations, there can be no peace in the Middle East. China calls for the prompt convening of an international conference to promote the achievement of broad consensus.
Blinken said that the US supports a “two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian issue, supports the UN in playing a role in easing the situation and providing humanitarian assistance, and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China.
Wang and Blinken also exchanged views on bilateral relations. China and the US have conducted a series of high-level contacts, and bilateral relations have shown signs of stabilizing and recovering, which is welcomed by the people of both countries and the international community, Wang said.
From MAGA to Gaza: Trump’s disorder engine has global consequences
Chauncey DeVega
Fri, October 13, 2023 at 2:45 AM PDT
Schumer faces Democratic divisions on Israel
Alexander Bolton
Fri, October 13, 2023 at 2:30 AM PDT·7 min read
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the first Jewish Senate majority leader in history and a staunch ally of Israel, faces a tricky divide in his caucus and the broader Democratic Party over how to respond to the attacks against Israel.