MIDDLE EAST HISTORY POLITICS CULTURE XIII MIDDLE EAST XIII | Page 179

Another case is that during the Cold War period dynamically growing
relations between China and the Middle East in some degree interrupted
because of two main significant events: fallout of Tiananmen Square in China
in 1989, and instability in the Gulf region followed by Iraq’s invasion of
Kuwait in 1990. Later Chinese moves towards the region entered new phase,
meanwhile the Gulf region’s importance grew dynamically. After Chinese
leader Deng Xiaoping’s economic modernization reforms Beijing gave an
importance to expand especially its economic ties. Particularly, after
becoming a net oil importer in 1993, China accepted the significance of oil-
rich Gulf region more seriously. At regional level, complex developments
seemed crucial for China. It had to respect, also find proper responses to them
expecting for new desirable achievements and favorable results while seeking
to expand its relations in the Middle East. China was searching appropriate
ways and means for restoring its image, and relatively good opportunity was
provided by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Beijing manipulated skillfully enough
to turn event to its own advantage. Since Tiananmen incident negative
international repercussions and imposed sanctions on Beijing seemed
unbearable for further development. Gulf crisis ‘opened Chinese door’ to
return as a major player in the game of international politics. Regaining its
global power status China succeeded in consolidating its identity as Third
World nation, thus becoming more representative actor.
So, while China was looking for new methods for recovering its
international image, perhaps ‘the best opportunity’ was that of Iraq’s invasion
of Kuwait on 2 August, 1990. The PRC regarded Iraq’s actions as a violation of
the United Nations (UN) Charter and of the norms of international relations,
therefore absolutely unacceptable. China’s such a decision was based on two
main principles: first, Beijing resolutely opposes the Iraqi violent actions and
annexation of Kuwait, and second, it constantly maintains its policy in the
Gulf region, that is every effort must be made for finding merely peaceful
solutions between conflicting states. 19
Beijing’s another significant strategic move in the region was its ‘arms
sales strategy.’ Particularly, during Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988) it was providing
military technology to both of confronting sides. Arms’ legitimate export item
19 Shichor Y., China and the Middle East Since Tiananmen, The Annals of the
American Academy of Political and Social Science 519 (1), China’s Foreign Relations,
1992, p. 93.
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