IntelBrief: China Emerges as a Force in Middle East Diplomacy

Bottom Line Up Front

• China’s attempts to reconcile Hamas and Fatah, the core faction of the Palestinian Authority (PA), represent Beijing’s intent to expand its political and diplomatic role in the region significantly.
• By hosting the intra-Palestinian meeting, China is trying to present itself as an even-handed mediator with ties to all sides of the region’s several conflicts, contrasting Beijing favorably with Washington.
• Expectations for the Fatah-Hamas meetings were low, but the two sides agreed to continue talking.
• U.S. officials welcome China’s mediation as potentially helping the United States and its Arab partners finalize a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza and calm Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.