BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital was motivated by his intention to seek political support from the Jewish interest groups and to boost U.S. influence in the Middle East, experts said recently at a seminar held by Xinhuanet in Beijng.

Themed "New Landscape for the World, New Era for China", the seminar gathered together 12 renowned scholars and experts.

"Trump is influenced by Jewish interest groups such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Facing the 2018 mid-term election, Trump needs support from the Jewish community," said Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of China Institute of International Studies.

Jin Canrong, vice president of School of International Studies at Renmin University of China, agreed with Ruan.

Jin emphasized, although Trump's decision has met international opposition, he can gain support from many Jewish people in the U.S., which will help protect and strengthen his position.

Chen Zhirui, professor at China Foreign Affairs University, added that Trump is also influenced by people from the pro-Israel camp. Aside from Trump's intention to seek political backup, Ruan said that by changing the status of Jerusalem, Trump hopes to increase U.S. influence in the Middle East.

What he lacks is an opportunity to get engaged in the Middle East. His decision on Jerusalem just provided such an opportunity, Chen added.

He further noted that at this time in the Middle East, the old structure has been destroyed, while a new one is yet to come.

And as the Arab world is in a chaos, a closer cooperation relationship may be forged among U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia, he said.