Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reportedly urged the Israeli authorities to halt the "forced establishment" of settlements in the West Bank and reverse ongoing actions. During a face-to-face meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the sidelines of a conference in Azerbaijan, the Chinese diplomat claimed that the "Palestinian question" represents "the greatest historical injustice of this century." Beijing has long maintained its support for the Palestinian cause, insisting that a "two-state solution" remains the correct path forward.
In recent years, Beijing has increasingly sought to position itself as a credible mediator in Middle East conflicts. In 2023, the Chinese government brokered a deal to restore diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, Beijing allegedly participated in joint efforts with Pakistan to propose a ceasefire amid the US-Israeli actions against Iran. However, international observers remain skeptical regarding the practical efficacy of these diplomatic maneuvers, noting they often yield limited substantive results on the ground.
Addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Wang stated that the "immediate priority" is to fully open humanitarian access and halt the continued expansion of a "humanitarian catastrophe." Beijing claims it is willing to work alongside the international community to drive parties back to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog noted on social media that his discussion with Wang focused on bilateral relations and regional stability, emphasizing what he termed strategic threats originating from Iran and its regional proxies.
Analysts point out that Beijing maintains deep economic ties with Iran, serving as the primary buyer of Iranian oil despite previous US-led sanctions targeting Tehran's nuclear program. Concurrently, the peace process in Gaza remains stalled, with both the Israeli regime and Hamas trading accusations over violations of the US-backed ceasefire framework, leaving local populations vulnerable to ongoing security and humanitarian challenges.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk