The role of the U.S. and China is pivotal in shaping the potential outcomes of the Israel-Gaza conflict, and while China already supports more balanced developments, Washington should take notes and implement a diplomatic solution that considers the needs of all peoples and communities.

The ongoing fighting between Israel and Palestine has led to soaring tensions in the Middle East, with additional backlash against America’s role in backing Israel’s actions. China seems poised to take this opportunity to enhance its own interests among regional powers.

Given the latest conflict and humanitarian crisis in the middle east, and the risk of the conflict expanding to involve other state actors throughout the region, Nathaniel Schochet and Earl Carr explore the possible opportunities, persistent limitations and the core geostrategic objectives of China’s mediation role in the 2023 Israel-Hamas War and elsewhere.

Despite massive aid, U.S. policies have failed to achieve peace in Israel, West Bank and Gaza, thus eroding U.S. credibility in the region. Why did U.S. policies fail? Could Chinese policies contribute to peace?

Several countries are making attempts to play the role of mediator to reduce dangerous tensions in various regions. The United States and its closest allies have greeted such efforts with undisguised or barely concealed hostility. Such an attitude not only is unhelpful and counterproductive, it will further isolate the West in the international community.

China has maintained a minimal presence in the Middle East over the last few decades, but Beijing’s mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia demonstrates that Beijing is staking out a new, positive role in the region.

As U.S. influence recedes, China’s role in the region can be expected to grow. It will push for peace, rather than dominate decision-making. China respects the people and will encourage them to be their own masters.

Can the U.S. president accomplish his goals during his Middle East trip? Oil is the top priority, but the chance of success is perhaps 50 percent. Shaping an anti-Russia coalition won’t happen. Yet, Israel does offer some relatively low-hanging fruit.

The last few years have seen the United States pressing countries in the region to suspend cooperation with China. But wouldn’t it be better to take a more positive approach? There are plenty of opportunities.

The concept is a foreign one, as China has always stressed the independence of all nation-states as they make their own decisions both domestically and regionally. Moreover, the United States will not be leaving the Middle East anytime soon.