Almost two decades ago, China's paramount leader Deng Xiaoping issued a series of instructions regarding the orientation of Chinese foreign policy in which he emphasized the need for Beijing to keep a low profile and never take the lead. Up until a few years ago, China has for the most part maintained this strategy, going along with a majority in the United Nations, rarely exercising its veto power in the Security Council and by and large not assuming a position of leadership except where the question of Taiwan was concerned.

However, the Gaza crisis reflects China's much more active diplomacy in recent years. In part, this reflects China's larger involvement around the world and its interest in maintaining stability in the Middle East to ensure its supplies of oil and gas from that part of the world.

But, to a large extent, it also reflects Beijing's desire to be seen as a responsible country, willing to play its part in the resolution of international issues. Beijing's influence in the Middle East is still small, especially when compared to that of the United States and former colonial powers such as Britain and France.