Middle East holds an important place in China's diplomacy

Editor's note: Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan is visiting Israel, Palestine, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Niutanqin, a columnist, commented in his post:

The last time that a Chinese leader visited Israel was 18 years ago. The delegation Wang leads not only includes an echelon of senior officials, but also some business tycoons, such as Jack Ma, founder and president of the world's largest e-commerce company Alibaba.

China and Israel can be friends, and good friends. China is already Israel's second-largest trade partner after the United States, and the bilateral trade is highly complementary. China's huge market is full of opportunities for Israeli companies.

In the first eight months of this year, Israel's exports to China increased by 62 percent year-on-year. Last year, Chinese companies invested $16 billion in Israel, mostly in high-tech sectors. The bilateral trade and cooperation still have a lot of potential that remains untapped.

China's close economic and trade ties with Israel also show that as long as China does not close the door itself, there are always investment and partners coming to it.

Wang's visit to the Middle East indicates that China aims to play a bigger role in the region. China has no historical interference in or religious conflicts with countries in the region. China is good friends with both Israel and the Arab world. China's stance on issues related to the region is more detached and neutral compared with that of other big powers.

That's why China should make use of its unique advantages to engage in the Israel-Palestine peace talks, and serve as a mediator in their negotiations.

After the shale gas revolution, US interest in the Middle East has declined. As the largest energy consumer, China needs oil from the Middle East, and it will assume an increasingly important role in China's diplomacy.