China seeks to portray itself as stabilising force in world politics, expert says
Rex Li, a professor of International Relations at King's College London, told France24 that China is trying to promote an alternative international security order and present itself as a stabilising force in world politics.

In Brief
- •Rex Li, a professor of International Relations at King's College London, told France24 that China is trying to promote an alternative international security order and present itself as a stabilising force in world politics.
- •He noted that Beijing is increasingly willing to play a more significant role in ending the conflict in the Middle East.
- •Despite this willingness, no concrete proposals from China have been observed so far.
Why It Matters
If China can successfully brand itself as a stabilising actor, it may reshape perceptions of its global role and influence the balance of power in international security debates. Its willingness to engage in the Middle East conflict, even without concrete proposals, signals a potential shift in diplomatic dynamics that could affect regional peace efforts and the broader architecture of global governance.
Key Details
- Expert
- Rex Li, Professor of International Relations, King's College London
- Claim
- China aims to project itself as a stabilising force in world politics
- Middle East involvement
- Beijing shows increased willingness to help end the conflict, but no concrete proposals yet
- Publication date
- 15 September 2026
Context & Background
China has been expanding its diplomatic outreach and advocating for a new international security framework that challenges the traditional Western‑led order. This positioning aligns with its broader foreign‑policy agenda to increase influence in global institutions and conflict‑resolution arenas.
Original Reporting & Sources
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