On the afternoon of September 26, 2023, the Institute of International and Strategic Studies (IISS), Peking University (PKU) held a lecture titled “Diplomatic Mediation of the EU and China to the Middle East Conflict”. This lecture was given by Dr. Victor J. Willi, Vice President Research of the Middle East Institute Switzerland (MEIS), and chaired by Wang Suolao, Associate Professor at the School of International Studies, PKU.

Dr. Willi indicated that China's and Europe's relationship with Middle East countries is defined based on energy security primarily, but it is too simplistic to do so only from an energy perspective. China’s and Europe's interests in the Middle East are extensive and diverse. China´s interactions with the Middle East have expanded significantly over the past two decades, Europe has an even longer history in its relations with the Middle East,  the Middle East is a frontier region of Europe, both regions are geographically connected, and their relationship is more multi-layered and complex. Besides, China and Europe differ markedly in their interactions with the Middle East in terms of regional focus, historical background, "soft power," internal structure, peace initiatives, trade philosophies, financing capabilities, and policy priorities. On the surface, a great reconciliation seems to be under way in the Middle East, but it should also be noted that despite those positive signs, many profound underlying factors in the Middle East may still trigger a new round of instability.

In the Q&A session, Dr. Willi and Associate Prof. Wang Suolao exchanged in-depth views with the audience on issues such as the European migration, the themes and regional tendencies of interaction between Europe and the Middle East, the understanding of China and Europe in the Middle East and North Africa, the potential of China-EU cooperation in the Middle East, the role and influence of different countries in international affairs in the Middle East and North Africa, and research methods for Middle East area studies.

Editor: Li Fangqi Photographer: Zheng Peijie