The World News:- Historically, the Middle East has had only
four major powers involved in it: France, Britain, America, and Russia. In the
early years, before and just after Israel's creation it was France and England heavily
involved. It was not until the early 1960's, America replaced both as the major
player and weapons importer\exporter to Israel. Russia meddled in the region in
the 50's, with weapon exports to many Arab countries.
Since the 60's, the two major powers
influencing the area have been Russia and America, however, this declined after
1992, when Russia ended communist rule. They did continue to support Syria,
Egypt and others but were focused more on themselves. This left only America
until now.
Today, Russia is re-emerging in Syria under
Putin, Iran is a new player and heavily involved and may be in cahoots with
Russia to keep Syria- Syria under Assad. America seems to be hesitant to do
much in the area unless a real provocative act occurs, and China, which up to
now has shown little interest in the region.
China's interest in keeping the Middle East
and Israel at peace is economic. Since 1988, China has recognized the Palestinians
in the Gaza area as a "state" and has always supported its attempt to
upgrade its status in the UN. On May 6th, it proposed its own peace plan for
the Middle East dilemma that was really regurgitated points presented many
times before. Recently, Israel's PM visited China and found that China greatly
valued the Israel state for economic reasons now and in the future.
China is Israel’s third largest trade
partner after the US and EU, with trade set to grow from around $8 billion to
$10 billion in three years. Besides Russia and America, it is the third most
desired high tech area for innovative designs in weapon systems. China buys
Israeli technology to improve upon just as they did with Russian technology,
which then they sell to Iran. Ironically, Israel and China signed five
agreements in cooperation and trade in aerospace, agricultural research,
financial cooperation, science and technology. In fact, in a disturbing
comment, Israel's Netanyahu suggested that if China serves as an “engine for
Israeli economic growth . . . I propose that Israel in many ways be the R&D
lab for China.”
What?
What?
China is one of Iran's largest purchasers
of its oil. The sanctions Obama imposed on Iran did little to China because
they were exempt! Iran's weapons are Chinese versions of Russian ones, which
Iran buys. But China wants to keep Israel within its own influence for the two
natural gas fields off the Israeli coast containing up to 19 trillion cubic
feet. China wants some of it and as the fields become developed, no doubt will
obtain some that benefits Israel.
But, whose side would China be on should there
be another regional war? Would China act like Russia in sending military assets
to protect their interests they have invest in? Would they back the Palestinians
or Israel? Which side do they think provides more economic value?
One
can see how China, Russia, Iran and America are now the major influences in
this area of the world for economic and political reasons.
