The Peaceful Silk Road: China’s Path of Diplomacy

The People's Republic of China has emerged as a key player in Eurasia over the past two decades, and its approach to conflict resolution and stability often differs from Western models. Instead of direct military intervention, Beijing relies on economic integration, infrastructure development, and neutral mediation. This is especially relevant for the Caucasus and Central Asia, given their role as a transit bridge between China, Europe, and the Middle East.
Since the fifth generation of leaders of the Communist Party of China, led by Xi Jinping, took over in 2012–2013, there has been a significant rethinking and renewal of the country's foreign policy. The old principle of "watching from the shadows, acting cautiously, and not claiming leadership" has lost its primacy. Beijing has begun to form a new image - not only of an economic giant, but also of an active mediator in international conflicts.
Today, China sees the UN as a key element of global security. Although the People's Republic of China was established after the founding of the United Nations, Beijing emphasizes its role and contribution to the development of the international system and the formation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In 2021, on the 50th anniversary of China's rightful place in the UN, Xi Jinping stated that it is this structure that helps maintain global stability. China's official position on interaction with the UN clearly states: Beijing intends to strengthen international peace, but does not seek hegemony. Modern Chinese foreign policy is based on "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era". These concepts encompass several key provisions.
China adheres to the concept that China's development is possible only in conditions of global stability and that economic growth directly depends on the global situation. China believes that international relations should be built on the principles of the UN Charter, cooperation and mutual benefit, and the Belt and Road Initiative should include a "Peaceful Silk Road" aimed at jointly solving security problems. Since 2021, China has put forward large-scale programs: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. All of them are aimed at preventing conflicts and finding ways to achieve sustainable development. In 2023, the world's first office of the International Mediation Organization, a structure specializing in the peaceful resolution of disputes between states, was established in Hong Kong.
These programs represent a kind of "three-pillar" concept of Xi Jinping's foreign policy in recent years, designed to strengthen China's role as a global player and peacemaker.

1. Global Development Initiative (GDI) - launched in September 2021. The goal of the initiative is to accelerate the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The main emphasis is on poverty reduction, food security, healthcare, the digital economy, and "green" development. China positions itself as a leading partner for developing countries.
2. Global Security Initiative (GSI) - presented in April 2022. The goal of the initiative is to create a more just and balanced system of global security. The principles of this initiative are the indivisibility of security, respect for sovereignty, rejection of bloc thinking, and conflict resolution through dialogue. China is actively promoting it as an alternative to military alliances, especially in response to the policies of the United States and NATO.
3. Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) - put forward in March 2023. The goal of this initiative is to promote mutual respect for cultures, the diversity of civilizations, and dialogue between peoples. Emphasizes that each country has the right to its development path based on its history and traditions. Contrasts with the "imposition of values" and cultural dominance.
China presents these initiatives as a comprehensive peacekeeping strategy: development to eliminate the roots of conflicts, security to prevent wars, and civilizational dialogue to build trust.
The example of Saudi Arabia and Iran
On March 10, 2023, it was China that became the mediator between long-time rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran. The negotiations ended with the restoration of diplomatic relations, which was met with approval not only in the Middle East, but also in the UN, the EU and a number of leading countries. Beijing turned out to be an ideal mediator, since both sides are strategic partners of China and are actively developing trade with it. This success strengthened the image of the PRC as a state capable of influencing the peace agenda and reducing regional tensions.
After the Middle East success, China is expected to be more involved in resolving other conflicts - from Ukraine to disputed regions in Asia and Africa. At the same time, Beijing avoids imposing its will and continues to position itself as an "equal among equals". The main goal of Chinese peacekeeping is to create a secure international environment favorable for the country's internal development. Judging by its recent steps, Beijing intends to further strengthen its position as a mediator by developing new formats of work, including through the integration of the International Mediation Organization into the UN system. China avoids open participation in armed conflicts, but actively acts as a mediator when the parties are ready for dialogue. The success in normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023 was a signal that Beijing is capable of acting as a neutral mediator. Within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China is building platforms for discussing security in Central Asia, involving both large and small states. The development of transport corridors through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia makes stability a key condition for the implementation of Chinese projects. China finances railways, highways, ports, which increases the interdependence of the countries of the region. Strengthening infrastructural interdependence reduces the likelihood of conflicts, since the countries are united by a common interest in the smooth operation of logistics corridors. This approach turns economic cooperation into a powerful factor of peace and stability.
China sends personnel to peacekeeping operations, including zones similar in nature to the Caucasus (Lebanon, Africa). In Central Asia, Beijing participates in anti-terrorist and humanitarian exercises, increasing the readiness of countries to jointly respond to crises. China is ready to invest in the security of its investments without introducing large contingents, but relying on partner forces in the region. China always opposes any actions that harm the civilian population.
Chinese cultural influence and humanitarian aid
One of the important instruments of China's peacekeeping potential is cultural diplomacy. Confucius Institutes, operating in many countries around the world, contribute to the development of cultural understanding and the establishment of trusting relationships. Thanks to such initiatives, China is forming the image of a reliable and stable partner that respects the characteristics of other peoples and cultures. Unlike many Western countries, Beijing does not tie its economic assistance to political conditions, which significantly increases the level of trust among its partners. This position is especially noticeable in the Caucasus and Central Asia, where economic cooperation is accompanied by respect for the sovereignty and independence of states. In addition, China actively provides humanitarian support during natural disasters and crises. A striking example was the assistance provided during the COVID-19 pandemic: medical supplies and vaccines were sent to Georgia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, which strengthened partnerships and demonstrated China's desire to jointly overcome global challenges. Beijing has always offered its ability to act as a neutral mediator in complex disputes, for example, between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as in matters of water distribution in Central Asia. Thanks to its pragmatic and unobtrusive style of diplomacy, China can facilitate the search for compromises and reduce tensions. China seeks to maintain the region in a state of multi-vector stability, playing the role of a balancing factor between the interests of Russia, Turkey, the European Union and the United States. This approach avoids the dominance of one player and supports the harmonious development of the region. China's peacekeeping potential is based on economic interdependence, diplomatic neutrality and cultural interaction. In the context of global rivalry, Beijing seeks to act as a "builder of stability", creating an infrastructure that can transform the region from a conflict zone into an important center of trade relations.
Elbrus Mamedov

SR-CENTER.INFO