China, a ‘want-to-be’ superpower

Context: First anniversary of China-brokered deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Steps taken by China to project itself as global mediator:

• Establishing an international mediation organisation in Hong Kong.
• Intends to connect this mediation initiative with its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China’s larger objective :

• China seeks to be an alternative to Western interventionism, particularly in regions like West Asia with colonial legacies.
• China aims to enhance its global influence as a responsible international actor.

Limit to China’s mediation diplomacy:

• China has also been absent through the crisis in the Red Sea

Conclusion:

• Despite its economic strength, China provides few solutions for enduring geopolitical issues.
• China functions more as a utilitarian power for hedging against, rather than a rising traditional superpower.

Source: The Hindu