‘A victory for peace’: China helps broker Iran-Saudi diplomatic agreement

[Nan Yang]

‘A victory for peace’: China helps broker Iran-Saudi diplomatic agreement​

• Officials from Tehran and Riyadh sign deal in Beijing to resume ties between the two Mideast countries
• China’s top envoy says Xi Jinping ‘guided the talks from the beginning’

Orange Wang
Published: 11:26pm, 10 Mar, 2023

Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations after four days of intensive previously undisclosed talks in Beijing. Photo: Chinese foreign ministry

Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations after four days of intensive previously undisclosed talks in Beijing and seven years after ties were cut.

The agreement, which was reached between China, Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Chinese capital this week, marks a diplomatic victory for the Chinese authorities as the war in Ukraine enters a second year and Beijing’s role in the conflict comes under intense international scrutiny.

Top security officials from Tehran and Riyadh held four days of talks from Monday in Beijing, with Iran, Saudi Arabia and China signing a joint statement in a ceremony on Friday.

“As a result of the talks, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies … within two months,” Iranian news agency IRNA reported.

In a statement on its website, the Chinese foreign ministry quoted top diplomat Wang Yi as saying the agreement represented “a victory of dialogue and peace”.

“This shows that the Ukraine issue is not the only problem the world faces today,” Wang said.

“[We face] many problems related to peace and people’s livelihood that deserve international attention, and timely handling by the relevant stakeholders.

“But regardless of their complexity and difficulties, they can be resolved through dialogue on equal footing and with mutual respect.”

Wang said Chinese President Xi Jinping guided the talks from the beginning, and the agreement between the three parties was testimony to the merits of Beijing’s “recent proposal” on handling international affairs.

Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran in 2016 after the storming of its embassy in Tehran in an escalating row between the two countries over Riyadh’s execution of a Shi’ite Muslim cleric.

Saudi Arabia’s state news agency said the two states agreed that their foreign ministers would meet to implement the agreement, arrange for their ambassadors to take up posts in the respective capitals, and discuss ways to improve relations.

In addition, the statement said the agreement included “their affirmation of the respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in internal affairs”.

“The two sides also expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the leadership and government of the People’s Republic of China for hosting and sponsoring the talks, and the efforts it placed towards its success,” the Saudi Press Agency said in a statement.

Iran was represented at the talks by Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, while Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Saudi Arabia’s national security adviser, led the Saudi delegation.

A shot from Weibo showing Iranian and Saudi Arabian delegations during four days of talks in Beijing. Photo: Weibo

The White House on Friday dismissed the idea that the US was stepping back in the Middle East, adding that the “durability” of the agreement reached in Beijing might be in question.

“It really does remain to be seen whether the Iranians are going to honour their side of the deal,” John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, said.
Kirby said that the Saudis had kept the US informed about the talks. “But we weren’t directly involved,” he added.
He also played down the contention that China’s success as a broker concerned the US, saying that the White House supported any effort to de-escalate tensions in the region.

“We believe … that what help bring Iran to the table was the pressure that they’re under … and not just an invitation by the Chinese to talk,” said Kirby. “We certainly continue to watch China as they try to gain influence and footholds elsewhere around the world in their own selfish interest.”

“It appears to us that this road map announced today was the result of multiple rounds of talks, including talks that were held in Baghdad, in Oman, and we’ve always supported that process,” he said.

A Beijing-based Middle East expert said the agreement underscored Beijing’s growing influence in the region.

Wang Wen, executive dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University, said that China had overtaken the United States in terms of positive influence in the Middle East.

“The US has played more of a negative and destructive role for a long time there,” he said.

“President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia last year and the Iranian president visited China recently. This series of mediation efforts has achieved very good results.

“China has always been a force for peace in the region.”

Additional reporting by Liu Zhen and Bochen Han

 

[Meengla]

Shouldn't these threads be merged? There is one in the Iranian Defence Forum. One in the Middle East Forum. And this one??

 

[Dalit]

Bad news for Western powers.

 

[Libexer]

That is some aggressive diplomacy trying to wedge a split in US global alliance. But it seems to be working.

Anyway Off Topic I really wanted some chinese members to help me regarding a recent article I read.

How Is India Viewed in China?​

This was written by a Chinese Author, Mu Chunshan. A Beijing-based journalist and is from the prestigious "Diplomat" magazine.

The article says,

"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has an unusual nickname on the Chinese internet: Modi Laoxian (莫迪老仙).

Laoxian refers to an elderly immortal with some weird abilities. The nickname implies that Chinese netizens think Modi is different – even more amazing – than other leaders. They point to both his dress and physical appearance, seen as laoxian-like, and some of his policies, which are different from India’s previous ones.

In particular, as discussed above, India led by Modi can maintain a balance among major countries in the world. Whether it is Russia, the United States, or Global South countries, India can enjoy friendly ties with all of them, which is very admirable to some Chinese netizens. So the word “laoxian” reflects the complex sentiment of Chinese people toward Modi, combining curiosity, astonishment, and perhaps a dash of cynicism.

I have been doing international media reports for nearly 20 years and it is rare for Chinese netizens to give a nickname to a foreign leader. Modi’s nickname stands out above all others. Clearly he has made an impression on Chinese public opinion."


How accurate is this assessment and what does (莫迪老仙) mean in Chinese ?

@beijingwalker can you assist ?

 

[tower9]

That is some aggressive diplomacy trying to wedge a split in US global alliance. But it seems to be working.

Anyway Off Topic I really wanted some chinese members to help me regarding a recent article I read.

How Is India Viewed in China?​

This was written by a Chinese Author, Mu Chunshan. A Beijing-based journalist and is from the prestigious "Diplomat" magazine.

The article says,

"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has an unusual nickname on the Chinese internet: Modi Laoxian (莫迪老仙).

Laoxian refers to an elderly immortal with some weird abilities. The nickname implies that Chinese netizens think Modi is different – even more amazing – than other leaders. They point to both his dress and physical appearance, seen as laoxian-like, and some of his policies, which are different from India’s previous ones.

In particular, as discussed above, India led by Modi can maintain a balance among major countries in the world. Whether it is Russia, the United States, or Global South countries, India can enjoy friendly ties with all of them, which is very admirable to some Chinese netizens. So the word “laoxian” reflects the complex sentiment of Chinese people toward Modi, combining curiosity, astonishment, and perhaps a dash of cynicism.

I have been doing international media reports for nearly 20 years and it is rare for Chinese netizens to give a nickname to a foreign leader. Modi’s nickname stands out above all others. Clearly he has made an impression on Chinese public opinion."


How accurate is this assessment and what does (莫迪老仙) mean in Chinese ?

@beijingwalker can you assist ?

It seems like the US is winning diplomatically in China's immediate neighborhood, getting India on board, getting access to Philippines bases, getting S. Korea, Japan, Taiwan onboard with the chip wars, etc.

But China is maneuvering and gaining influence in areas where the US has lost focus, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, etc.

 

[lightning F57]

The Biden administration has been out maneuvered by the Chinese. This is pretty big as gos against their regional plans.

 

[kuge]

i can tell ya this pseudo peace between them will not last long...

 

[Meengla]

It seems like the US is winning diplomatically in China's immediate neighborhood, getting India on board, getting access to Philippines bases, getting S. Korea, Japan, Taiwan onboard with the chip wars, etc.

But China is maneuvering and gaining influence in areas where the US has lost focus, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, etc.

Perhaps I am in some 'expansive' mood but if I were a Chinese strategist, I'd look to the resource rich, low population, north and west of China where there are land connections instead of the over-crowded, resource-starved poor Southeast Asia...
Taiwan or even South China Sea, in comparison, are lesser prizes compared to what is being offered via China's north and west. The impact and the opportunities of the Russia-Ukraine war are yet to be determined and I believe part of that is because humanity didn't pay attention to the idea that there could be another major, long European war, and even another World War!!!

 

[Mirzali Khan]

Bad news for Western powers.

Pakistani Balochistan will be used as a forward base against Iran now. Highly likely this might happen.

 

[White and Green with M/S]

Pakistani Balochistan will be used as a forward base against Iran now. Highly likely this might happen.

Never going to be happen dude, Iran is our neighbor we should make a good relationship with Iran through dialogue

 

[tower9]

Perhaps I am in some 'expansive' mood but if I were a Chinese strategist, I'd look to the resource rich, low population, north and west of China where there are land connections instead of the over-crowded, resource-starved poor Southeast Asia...
Taiwan or even South China Sea, in comparison, are lesser prizes compared to what is being offered via China's north and west. The impact and the opportunities of the Russia-Ukraine war are yet to be determined and I believe part of that is because humanity didn't pay attention to the idea that there could be another major, long European war, and even another World War!!!

Why would China invade those countries when it can just strike trade deals with them? Invading them would arouse global outrage and lead to China's isolation, and besides that is a 19th century game. China is building a modern global empire where financial and commercial interests are the foundation.

 

[Meengla]

Why would China invade those countries when it can just strike trade deals with them? Invading them would arouse global outrage and lead to China's isolation, and besides that is a 19th century game. China is building a modern global empire where financial and commercial interests are the foundation.

"invade"?? When did and why would I ever use that term? It would be 'invited'!


I think China should think OUT OF THE BOX and not think too much about Taiwan or South China Sea as that would mean a hot war against USA which would be mutually destructive. Why not take a fresh look at the emerging opportunities up north and west due to the Russia-Ukraine war??
As an admirer and a well-wisher of China, I'd like for China to think out of the box!

 

[Dalit]

i can tell ya this pseudo peace between them will not last long...

Is that your wish?

Pakistani Balochistan will be used as a forward base against Iran now. Highly likely this might happen.

In that case, the guarantors of this deal should get ready for countermeasures from the Iranian side.

 

[K_Bin_W]

‘A victory for peace’: China helps broker Iran-Saudi diplomatic agreement​

• Officials from Tehran and Riyadh sign deal in Beijing to resume ties between the two Mideast countries
• China’s top envoy says Xi Jinping ‘guided the talks from the beginning’

Orange Wang
Published: 11:26pm, 10 Mar, 2023

Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations after four days of intensive previously undisclosed talks in Beijing. Photo: Chinese foreign ministry

Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations after four days of intensive previously undisclosed talks in Beijing and seven years after ties were cut.

The agreement, which was reached between China, Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Chinese capital this week, marks a diplomatic victory for the Chinese authorities as the war in Ukraine enters a second year and Beijing’s role in the conflict comes under intense international scrutiny.

Top security officials from Tehran and Riyadh held four days of talks from Monday in Beijing, with Iran, Saudi Arabia and China signing a joint statement in a ceremony on Friday.

“As a result of the talks, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies … within two months,” Iranian news agency IRNA reported.

In a statement on its website, the Chinese foreign ministry quoted top diplomat Wang Yi as saying the agreement represented “a victory of dialogue and peace”.

“This shows that the Ukraine issue is not the only problem the world faces today,” Wang said.

“[We face] many problems related to peace and people’s livelihood that deserve international attention, and timely handling by the relevant stakeholders.

“But regardless of their complexity and difficulties, they can be resolved through dialogue on equal footing and with mutual respect.”

Wang said Chinese President Xi Jinping guided the talks from the beginning, and the agreement between the three parties was testimony to the merits of Beijing’s “recent proposal” on handling international affairs.

Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran in 2016 after the storming of its embassy in Tehran in an escalating row between the two countries over Riyadh’s execution of a Shi’ite Muslim cleric.

Saudi Arabia’s state news agency said the two states agreed that their foreign ministers would meet to implement the agreement, arrange for their ambassadors to take up posts in the respective capitals, and discuss ways to improve relations.

In addition, the statement said the agreement included “their affirmation of the respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in internal affairs”.

“The two sides also expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the leadership and government of the People’s Republic of China for hosting and sponsoring the talks, and the efforts it placed towards its success,” the Saudi Press Agency said in a statement.

Iran was represented at the talks by Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, while Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Saudi Arabia’s national security adviser, led the Saudi delegation.

A shot from Weibo showing Iranian and Saudi Arabian delegations during four days of talks in Beijing. Photo: Weibo

The White House on Friday dismissed the idea that the US was stepping back in the Middle East, adding that the “durability” of the agreement reached in Beijing might be in question.

“It really does remain to be seen whether the Iranians are going to honour their side of the deal,” John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, said.
Kirby said that the Saudis had kept the US informed about the talks. “But we weren’t directly involved,” he added.
He also played down the contention that China’s success as a broker concerned the US, saying that the White House supported any effort to de-escalate tensions in the region.

“We believe … that what help bring Iran to the table was the pressure that they’re under … and not just an invitation by the Chinese to talk,” said Kirby. “We certainly continue to watch China as they try to gain influence and footholds elsewhere around the world in their own selfish interest.”

“It appears to us that this road map announced today was the result of multiple rounds of talks, including talks that were held in Baghdad, in Oman, and we’ve always supported that process,” he said.

A Beijing-based Middle East expert said the agreement underscored Beijing’s growing influence in the region.

Wang Wen, executive dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University, said that China had overtaken the United States in terms of positive influence in the Middle East.

“The US has played more of a negative and destructive role for a long time there,” he said.

“President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia last year and the Iranian president visited China recently. This series of mediation efforts has achieved very good results.

“China has always been a force for peace in the region.”

Additional reporting by Liu Zhen and Bochen Han

Settle your differences on the table - That will nip western terrorism in the bud.

 

[khansaheeb]

They point to both his dress and physical appearance, seen as laoxian-like, and some of his policies, which are different from India’s previous ones.

I think it is Chinese humour and they think of him as a Garden dwarf:-