China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI): Fostering Stability in the Middle East

At the annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia in April 2022, President Xi Jinping launched the Global Security Initiative (GSI), reiterating China’s established foreign policy and security commitments. This initiative is particularly crucial given the Middle East’s historical instability and fragile security framework. China’s role as a reliable broker and security guarantor in the region, as outlined in the GSI, becomes essential in advancing its vision of inclusive global security.
The United States and China are entering a new arena of security dynamics, characterized by distinct principles and strategies. China’s commitment to reshaping the global security architecture is driven by a desire to foster stability and peace, especially amid increasing rivalry with the United States. China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) addresses both traditional and non-traditional security concerns, emphasizing the importance of development and peace. This comprehensive framework reflects China’s proactive approach to ensuring a secure and harmonious global environment.
The Middle East is the focal point of global politics, having experienced various phases of insecurity over the decades. The United States has been deeply involved in Middle Eastern affairs, with Israel, a staunch U.S. ally, acting as its gateway to the region. U.S. engagement has often focused on intervention, as seen in the Iraq and Syria wars. In contrast, China’s diplomatic vision, embodied in the Global Security Initiative (GSI), prioritizes development and social order over democracy and human rights, national sovereignty over interventionism, and common, indivisible security over military alliances.
Considering China’s current strategic alliances with the Gulf states, which adhere to the principle of non-interference, many Gulf nations are likely to see the GSI as aligning with their regional and global security perspectives. China’s substantial trade and investment profile in the Gulf further supports the potential acceptance of the GSI. According to the GSI, achieving peace and stability in the Middle East requires a new security framework based on the Chinese five-point proposal. This framework should advocate mutual respect, uphold equity and justice, promote non-proliferation, foster collective security through partnerships, and boost development cooperation.
China is presently actively collaborating with Gulf governments on a range of security-related issues, including as cybersecurity, counterterrorism, military exercises and visits, and arms transfers. It has created Chinese branches of People’s Liberation Army academies and colleges, negotiated cooperation agreements, trained military people, researchers, and security officials. All things considered, China’s GSI signifies a dramatic change in its strategy toward international security issues.
China has increased its presence and influence in Middle Eastern security matters in order to become a stronger participant in international security arena. Its interaction with the Gulf states is therefore an essential component of this strategy. Although, it is important to note that Washington still remain a strong contender and participant in the region, but China remains the strongest contender to fill any security vacuum left by the U.S.
Beijing, under Xi, sees the Middle East as a part of its larger periphery. Therefore, the region is essential to its survival and legitimacy. Beijing seeks to establish norms, including political and security arrangements, that are in line with its vision of a new global order and that support its intended international dominance, even though it probably does not intend to turn the Middle East into its vassal state.
In this context, China’s GSI offers emerging states a viable option to channel their dissatisfaction with the current global order. As the concept of global security evolves due to the rise of new power centers and increasing geopolitical tensions, China has put forward a vision to reshape the global security architecture. This vision addresses the weaknesses of the current international order and leverages the gaps in the existing system to create a more inclusive and stable framework.
China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) marks a pivotal shift in international security dynamics, especially in the volatile Middle East. Emphasizing non-interference and collective security, the GSI reflects China’s vision for inclusive global stability amidst rising U.S.-China security rivalry. By proposing a five-point framework for regional peace, China aims to reshape global security norms and strengthen its role as a strategic partner in the Middle East. This initiative offers emerging states an alternative amid evolving geopolitical tensions, positioning China as a key player in shaping future international security frameworks.