China: High-Level Dialogue Examines Middle East Crisis and International Cooperation

“What is happening is that these crises are being managed, and not resolved,” he said, calling for increased international political action and will to address the increasing humanitarian needs and dwindling funding.

He pointed out that the erosion of respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) has led to more dire consequences on the ground, noting that the world faces the risk of being reduced to the law of the jungle.

Role of principled humanitarian action

Von Arx emphasized that adherence to the principle of neutrality is a prerequisite to operating safely and effectively in contexts with complicated power structures.

The ICRC frequently plays the role of a neutral humanitarian intermediary in armed conflict. For example, it recently completed a months-long operation to facilitate the return of Israeli hostages and detainees, as well as deceased Palestinians.

‘However, principled humanitarian action is under increasing pressure. Neutrality is often misunderstood or demonized,’ he said, adding that the ICRC was frequent attacked on social media, via email, and in person, further endangering humanitarian actors on the ground.

He also pointed towards an increasing tolerance of blatant violations of IHL; the killing and maiming of civilians, attacks on hospitals and schools, the destruction of civilian infrastructure – a dangerous and worrying trend which, he observed, “will haunt us for generations”.

China’s evolving role

The exchange also highlighted China’s long-standing concerns in the Middle East, including regional stability, civilian protection, and multilateralism. John Gong, GGI Research Fellow, and Balthasar Staehelin, Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for East Asia in Beijing, explored how China’s diplomatic mediation and development assistance can support humanitarian efforts.

In light of the diminishing respect for IHL, Staehelin commended China for joining the Global Initiative on IHL launched in September 2024 alongside Brazil, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan, and South Africa, and the ICRC.  The global initiative aims to galvanize political commitment in support of international humanitarian law. This joint effort to strengthen IHL complements a renewed global focus on advancing peace agendas, reinforcing civilian protection, and strengthening global governance systems, thus ensuring more effective international cooperation and protection for those affected by armed conflict.

The commentators encouraged China, to step up its financial and political support for global humanitarian action, and to apply its substantial weight and influence to promote respect for IHL in armed conflicts worldwide.