China’s role in the Syrian conflict: a cautious quasi-mediator

Abstract

This paper examines China’s mediation diplomacy in the Syrian conflict through the theoretical framework of quasi-mediation proposed by Degang Sun and Yahia Zoubir and relies on both Chinese and English primary and secondary sources. It is argued that China has conducted a limited intercession strategy in its quasi-mediation diplomacy due to its few national interests concerned by the conflict, limited leverage over the disputing parties, the low level of international consensus over the solution of the conflict, and the high intractability of the crisis settlement.