Xi Jinping Urges Peace Talks and Justice Amid Gaza Conflict During Arab Leaders' Visit to China

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Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed concern about the “tremendous sufferings” in the Middle East and proposed an international peace conference. Arab leaders visiting Beijing this week are discussing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, raising global concerns.

"Last October saw a significant escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, causing immense suffering for the people. Xi expressed his belief that war cannot go on forever and justice should not be neglected," stated Xi at a meeting with top diplomats from China and Arab states, which was also attended by regional leaders.

Xi further emphasized China's support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state and backed the idea of a comprehensive international peace conference that is inclusive, authoritative, and impactful.

Diplomatic meetings are currently taking place in Beijing while the world continues to pay attention to Israel's conflict in Gaza. Israeli forces are escalating operations in Rafah, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis.

China has been strengthening its ties with the Middle East and has sided with the Arab world and the Global South in criticizing Israel and advocating for a ceasefire during the ongoing conflict.

China's position has caused tension with the United States, a major player in the region and a strong supporter of Israel. Chinese officials have taken advantage of the conflict to criticize Washington, aligning with Beijing's message portraying the US as a bully controlling the global status quo.

Xi praised the shared aspiration for a fresh chapter in China-Arab relations and suggested that their partnership could serve as a blueprint for promoting global peace and stability.

"In today's unpredictable world, peaceful relationships thrive on respect and true security is established through fairness and justice," expressed the Chinese leader. He has been advocating for a different approach to global security, one that differs from the alliance-based system supported by the US.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Tunisian President Kais Saied are currently in China for official visits, coinciding with the ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

Delegations from 22 Arab states joined that event at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, according to Chinese state media.

War in Gaza on the agenda

Diplomats attending a ministerial meeting on Thursday were expected to adopt agreements to deepen cooperation across various fields and unify China and Arab states' stance on the Palestinian question, according to China's foreign ministry.

China's diplomatic efforts this week aim to showcase leadership, strengthen relationships, and urge for a ceasefire in Gaza. Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington, believes China wants to take a prominent role in addressing this issue, at least in words.

China's decision to support Palestine and the Arab countries is intentional, showing a willingness to align with the Arab nations and the Global South. However, it is important to note that China did not create the crisis; instead, it took advantage of the situation.

Xi Jinping announced that China will be providing an additional $70 million to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and assist with post-conflict reconstruction. This is in addition to the $14 million already contributed. Additionally, China will be giving $3 million to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to support emergency humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Israel responded to Hamas' attack on its territory by declaring war in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and over 200 hostages, as reported by Israeli forces. The ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza have led to the tragic loss of over 36,000 Palestinian lives, according to the health ministry.

Since 1988, China has officially recognized the state of Palestine.

Wang Yi speaks during a press conference at Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing, China on April 1.

Wang Yi speaks during a press conference at Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing, China on April 1.

Ken Ishii/Getty Images

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China acknowledges Iran's stance on the recent attack in Israel and refrains from criticizing the strikes. From the beginning of the conflict, Beijing has supported the idea of a two-state solution, advocating for the recognition of a Palestinian state. To show its commitment, China has sent envoys to meet with Arab leaders in the region. Despite the attacks on October 7, China has chosen not to publicly denounce Hamas.

Beijing recently held talks for "reconciliation" between rival Palestinian groups Fatah and Hamas.

Observers believe that although Beijing has been working to strengthen relationships in the Middle East, its influence in the region is still limited.

Beijing has not shown willingness to take action in response to the conflict's regional impacts. For instance, it chose not to send more naval resources to protect Red Sea shipping lanes targeted by Iran-supported Houthi rebels.

The ministerial meeting on Thursday marks the first gathering of its kind since China's initial joint summit with Arab leaders held in Saudi Arabia in late 2022.

Xi was warmly welcomed to the Gulf state with excitement, in stark contrast to the tense visit by US President Joe Biden earlier this year. The American public was outraged over Riyadh's alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside its consulate in Istanbul.

In addition to the warm welcome, Xi is engaging in bilateral talks with other visiting leaders this week.

On Wednesday, Egypt's President Sisi received a warm welcome in Beijing's Great Hall of the People. During the meeting, both leaders decided to strengthen their strategic partnership, as stated by China's foreign ministry.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights China's increasing involvement in the Middle East and its stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has expressed concern about the humanitarian crisis and has proposed an international peace conference to address the issue. China's support for Palestine and its criticism of Israel have strained its relationship with the United States, which is a strong supporter of Israel.

China's diplomatic efforts this week showcase its leadership role and its commitment to strengthening relationships in the region. The country has pledged additional humanitarian aid for Gaza and has called for a ceasefire. While China's influence in the Middle East is still limited, its willingness to engage in the conflict demonstrates its growing global presence and its desire to play a more active role in international affairs.