China’s top diplomat calls for urgent action to stem Gaza conflict
During a two-day meeting in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged leaders from Arab and Muslim majority nations to “act urgently” to prevent further tragedy in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
He welcomed counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, the Palestinian National Authority, and Indonesia, along with the head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, for discussions on the ongoing conflict.
Ministers from the visiting delegation also stressed their strong calls for an end to the conflict, and for immediate relief materials and aid to enter Gaza.
China has been at odds with Washington, a close ally of Israel, over its approach to the conflict, including calls for an immediate ceasefire. Beijing has criticized Israel’s retaliation and has failed to condemn Hamas, sparking backlash from Israeli officials.
Israel, for its part, has defended its actions as rooting out terrorism and has rejected any ceasefire without the return of hostages. The conflict has so far resulted in a significant loss of life and infrastructure in Gaza.
China has been attempting to play an active role in finding a solution to the conflict as it seeks to expand its position as a major global power by dispatching peace envoys and advocating for an immediate ceasefire at the United Nations.
The conflict has given China an opportunity to strengthen its ties with countries in the Arab world, a region where it hopes to drive a wedge between the US and its long-standing allies.
Immediate ceasefire and longer-term peace were also key topics during a recent visit to the Middle East by China’s special envoy for the region, Zhai Jun.
China has also discussed the conflict with Iran, a longtime backer of both Hamas and Hezbollah, and President Joe Biden has encouraged Chinese leader Xi Jinping to use China’s leverage with Iran to warn against wider regional escalation.
As the conflict continues, the international community looks to China to play a significant role in finding a solution to the crisis.