China has made numerous short-term gains in the Middle East via its involvement in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, whereas weak policy U.S. in the region has few consequences but also few returns.

China's foreign policy has two overarching goals, namely, the fostering of a new form of international relations and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The election of Hassan Rouhani could serve as a turning point for Iran both domestically and internationally. With a moderate politician leading this important nation, the time for the U.S and China to engage and reintegrate Iran into the international system is now; otherwise, the Middle East will continue to be plagued by violence.

The apparent unilateral action in violation of international law by the U.S. sends an alarming signal to the international community. Whether this is just a one-off deal or it signals the Trump administration’s change of policy back to unilateralism, it brings unpredictable consequences to international peace and stability.

China and the US have different positions on the Syria situation, but they share many common interests too, including restoring peace and stability in the region, cracking down on extremists and rebuilding regional order and the balance of power in the Middle East. The countries differ over how to achieve these goals.

If the US should abandon or violate the Iranian nuclear accord, an agreement reached after years of negotiation and with consent of European allies, the results would only be negative for the US in terms of its international image, moral high ground and Trump’s start on diplomatic front. Such a move would signal to the world that the US cannot be trusted.

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-nation tour in the Middle East heralds a shift from U.S. regime change to economic development, codifying China’s presence in the Middle East as a major energy buyer, major importer, infrastructure builder, and peace broker.

Mutual trust has been slow to evolve on the political front, but that continues to be key for any meaningful deal.

While the entire international community can certainly cooperate better on security issues, criticizing Beijing’s low-profile role is merely propaganda defaming China in the region. China’s economic contribution to the region is both significant and more than sufficient within the current global and regional context defined by US dominance.

It is in the interests of China and the United States, as well as the region and the world beyond, to have peace, stability and development in the Gulf and the Middle East. Washington’s recent summit with Gulf states reflects both the challenges and its enduring commitment to security concerns there.