BEIJING, China: Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Thursday for a peace conference to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestine. His remarks were made during a forum in Beijing attended by several Arab leaders and diplomats.
During the forum, Xi emphasized the importance of a broad-based peace conference to resolve the Middle East conflict, expressing China’s support for Palestine’s full UN membership. He underscored the need for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further humanitarian crises and regional instability. Xi highlighted China’s commitment to working with Egypt and other nations to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.
Xi’s call for a peace conference aligns with China’s long-standing advocacy for a two-state solution. The forum, attended by leaders such as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, also saw Xi expressing his pain over the severe situation in Gaza, where recent conflicts have resulted in significant civilian casualties.
China’s active engagement in Middle Eastern affairs, including brokering a detente between Saudi Arabia and Iran last year and hosting reconciliation talks between Hamas and Fatah, reflects its strategic interest in the region. Analysts suggest that China aims to leverage the Gaza conflict to enhance its regional influence, contrasting its diplomatic efforts with perceived US inaction.
Xi also highlighted China’s desire to deepen energy cooperation with Arab nations, focusing on strategic partnerships in oil, gas, and new energy technologies. The forum’s attendees included UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, among other regional leaders and diplomats.
