Because of the deep geopolitical forces that determine the region’s political, economic, and security landscape, contacts between Russia, China, and the Middle East have gained major global interest. The varying goals and objectives of these three prominent actors impact their interactions with the Middle East, frequently resulting in a complicated network of alliances, rivalries, and revolving coalitions. The war between Israel and Hamas has once again reignited these tensions.
Russia has a complex relationship with the Middle East. It seeks to safeguard its regional interests, particularly its access to oil markets and Mediterranean maritime lanes. Furthermore, Russia aims to strengthen its position in global geopolitics by counterbalancing the influence of NATO and the United States in the region.
However, given that it frequently finds itself in conflict or rivalry with the interests of other regional and international entities, Russia’s relationship with the Middle Eastern countries can be precarious.
China’s primary motivation for becoming more involved in the Middle East has been its economic interests. China is heavily reliant on a steady energy supply due to its status as the world’s second-largest economy and significant energy consumption, making the region’s abundant energy resources a crucial component of its foreign policy.
Following the barbaric attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Russia and China did not immediately condemn the attack and criticized Hamas.
Moreover, following Israel’s counteroffensive response, the Chinese foreign minister said Israel’s Gaza bombing campaign was “beyond the scope of self-defence” and that it “should stop collective punishment of the people of Gaza.” Russia’s President Vladimir Putin compared the bombing of Gaza to the siege of Leningrad during World War II.
RFE/RL’s Reid Standish writes that “this new Middle East crisis could also benefit both Beijing and Moscow by diverting the attention of their main global rival: the United States.” Considering that just this March China brokered a potential deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the new escalation in the conflict can undermine and complicate China’s ambitions to be a superpower that can mediate global confrontations.
The Israel-Hamas war has already sent the oil market into oblivion and as the fight continues to escalate, experts predict that the situation will only become more complicated and cause further global economic implications.
