Thanks.
I was objecting to the world “example” that implied other instances.
China has been developing its influence in many parts of the world, recently. It’s true that until now, it limited itself to economic agreements, contracts, development projects, etc… But on a rather massive scale and in many different parts of the world, including Arab states.
The next step is indeed probably beginning to be involved in diplomatic issues and throw its weight around when it suits its interests, precisely because now it has interests to protect. Whether that could involve Israel at some point, I couldn’t guess.
Yes, the basic idea is that it will be in China’s interest to interfere in the Arab-Israeli process both to signal its arrival as a global power and to acquire bargaining chips with the two sides. That doesn’t mean it will be wholly pro-Arab. As mentioned above it has a defense relationship with Israel which it would like to strengthen over US objections. But the balance it strikes is likely to be much less pro-Israel than the US and I suspect it will be the mirror-image of the US; i.e. it will lean toward the Arabs while still trying to maintain a decent relationship with Israel.
Leaning towards the Arabs will help protect its all-important energy interests, help obtain support from Muslim states against its own Muslim separatists and also be a gesture towards its own Muslim population. Furthermore if it wants an entry into the Arab-Israeli process it will need a position to distinguish itself from the US and a moderately pro-Arab tilt is the logical answer.
Like I said, I don’t expect to see all this happen in the near future but in 10-15 years I think we will see a much more assertive China around the world.