The announcement of the peace agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Iran was equally pleasant and surprising on many accounts. Chinese-sponsored parleys remained undisclosed ahead of the formal promulgation of the historic accord by Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers in Beijing. Auspiciously, both sides acted swiftly to move beyond verbal commitments, by sorting out the details for resumption of formal diplomatic ties including re-opening of embassies. Riyadh and Tehran have formally extended VVIP visit invitations to each other. While appreciating the bilateral courteous gestures, magical mediatory role of Beijing is too significant to ignore.
In the backdrop of existing global contestation between Washington and Beijing, this eye-catching accord between Middle Eastern powerhouses emerged as enough proof of effective Chinese assertion.
Common urge for peace, stability: Shift from geo-politics to geo-economics
The historic accord is an obvious manifestation of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman’s ‘Vision 2030’ which revolves around mutual development, exploration of new economic fields, constructive cooperation and peaceful co-existence. Over a period of time, prolonged animosity and its allied bitter consequences have been correctly realized in Riyadh and Tehran.
Despite having abundant energy resources, Middle Eastern region have remained vulnerable to foreign exploitations, primarily due to long-standing unresolved conflicts. Spillover effects of the long-standing confrontation badly affected Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and Bahrain.
The absence of a sincere and effective mediating force was another hurdle in bridging the uncharted distances. The commonality of vision eventually paved the way for this hallmark peace accord. Both KSA and Iran have opted for peaceful co-existence through economic cooperation by setting aside petty disputes for subsequent resolution through non-violent means.
Emergence of China as global peace maker
Despite the sincerity of Riyadh and Tehran, the historic accord could not be finalized without a constructive Chinese role. Besides setting the table for sensitive parleys, Beijing assertively facilitated both sides in unhindered acceleration towards finalization of the non-controversial accord.
Since the Covid-19 outbreak, China is continuously asserting as a reliable global player. The incredible sustainability of the Chinese economy under the existing uncertain environment and policy of inclusivity vis-à-vis economic cooperation has added extra shades to the positive global image of China. As per the National Bureau of Statistics, the growth rate of Chinese economy remained 4.5% during first quarter of 2023, which is much ahead of many struggling economies under an extremely unpredictable global environment. Besides initiating mega economic projects like BRI and CPEC, Beijing has started signaling the emergence of parallel Chinese-led global order amid successful mediatory role in resolving the contentious conflicts. Positive stabilizing effects of Chinese mediation have started emerging in Yemen and Syria.
As the unexpected Saudi-Iran accord continues to echo globally, China has come up with another bold offer to set the dialogue table between Israel and Palestine. Despite the US-led Western provocative allegations, Beijing has also asserted significantly in Ukraine theatre to end the ongoing war. Though successful, mediation in contentious issue like Ukrainian war and Palestine remains an uphill task but the breakthrough in Iran-Saudi rapprochement merits more optimistic consideration for Chinese-led peace initiatives.
For Pakistan: A Moment to be Seized
Historic Saudi-Iran rapprochement under Chinese oversight has extended multi-dimensional opportunities for Pakistan. First, the peace accord is a practical endorsement of Pakistan’s principle stance and past advocacy for peaceful resolution of differences between KSA and Iran.
Second, Pakistan enjoys trust-based relations with all three players involved in the peace accord i.e. KSA, Iran and China. Pakistan should promptly join steps with these three players to resolve the multilayered economic challenges. This unique chemistry should be transformed into a cogent strategy to pursue diplomatic and economic objectives.
Traditionally, Pakistan has remained a trustworthy partner of KSA. Unprecedented Saudi economic support including oil supply on deferred payments enabled Pakistan to regain stability at critical phases. Iran is a close neighbor who enjoys economic, security, diplomatic and cultural commonalties. Incredible nature of ties with China needs no collaboration as it is considered a corner stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
CPEC holds a symbolic significance for the Chinese BRI vision. Luckily, inclusion of Iran in BRI vis-à-vis 25 years strategic partnership agreement with Beijing provides solid grounds for larger economic cooperation. Likewise, China is the biggest importer of Saudi oil which is estimated around 2 million barrels per day. President Xi’s unprecedented participation in Arab Summit hosted by KSA in last December and equally surprising role in swiftly-executed Iran-Saudi accord is a good omen for Pakistan.
Third, with the strengthening of the peace accord, Pakistan will be in a much better position to import gas and oil from Iran. Well-planned inclusion in economic projects will help Pakistan overcome the multilayered fiscal, economic, and developmental problems.
Fourth, the maturity of the Saudi-Iran accord will set precedence for the non-violent resolution of conflicts through diplomatic engagement. Pakistan will have a broader opportunity to seek peaceful resolution of differences between India and Afghanistan by involving Iran, KSA and China.
Fifth, KSA-Iran normalization will subsequently reduce the Shia-Sunni sectarian toxicity in the entire region. Elimination of sectarian roots will enable the state of Pakistan to effectively focus on hardcore foreign-sponsored terrorists for the restoration of durable peace.
(Writer is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
