While outside interference in Middle Eastern affairs has done nothing to improve the employment situation, build strong and efficient political structure, and prompt a solid union against terrorism, a kind of regional security structure including major regional powers and external powers is urgently needed. In this regard, the U.S. can do a lot, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative should be another opportunity for a fresh approach.

If big powers show courage and set aside their differences, and work together in a just, balanced intervention under the framework international law, they will not only help the Syrians out of hardship and avoid long-term instability in the region, they may also find a new way to prevent similar armed conflicts in the future.

Syria’s disintegration exemplifies the eclipse of U.S.-sponsored regime changes, whereas Chinese policy holds the promise of economic development. But time for a global solution is running out.

The award was not an endorsement behind the ideals of the Arab Spring, which has dissolved into chaos. The prize honors the country’s choice of dialogue instead of confrontation, and engaging in negotiation instead of opening fire.

American military interventions in the Middle East have played a big part in creating the problem, and Washington owes it to the world to be a leader in solving it.

While helping the people in the Middle East fleeing from conflict zones, the more important thing is to address the refugee issue from the root. The UN must play a leading role in promoting reconciliation in the wake of failed and arrogant US policies in the region, so that the Middle East can move toward stability that will allow its people enjoy a normal life.

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.

It has been argued that China has benefitted from U.S. sanctions in Iran, and will lose out in the case of a U.S.-Iran détente. Yet hostility has already severely undermined China’s economic relations with Iran, and though China and the U.S. do share the same security concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, they have different ideas for solutions.

After years of fruitless efforts to prevent Iran from conducting any uranium enrichment, U.S. negotiators today join with their Chinese counterparts in seeking to contain, rather than eliminate, Iran’s nuclear weapons potential. However, while Chinese policy makers do not want Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, they oppose the use of military force or severe sanctions to prevent it. Richard Weitz highlights a China – U.S. competition for economic advantage in Iran, a dynamic that may define future talks.