BEIJING: Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for his fifth official visit to China, according to state media. During the visit, China expressed its willingness to assist in facilitating Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, reaffirming its longstanding support for the Palestinian cause.
President Abbas is scheduled to stay in China until Friday and is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The discussions between the leaders will cover various topics, including the latest developments in the Palestinian arena, regional issues, and international concerns of mutual interest, as reported by the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang emphasized China’s commitment to the Palestinian issue and its support for the peace talks. Minister Qin stated that China views the peace talks as the right direction and will contribute Chinese wisdom and energy to the resolution of the Palestinian issue. He also mentioned that China has always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights.
China’s Aim to Strengthen Ties in Middle East
President Abbas, known as an “old and good friend of the Chinese people,” has been welcomed by China, which aims to strengthen its ties in the Middle East. China’s efforts to enhance its presence in the region have challenged the longstanding influence of the United States, prompting some unease in Washington.
Last December, President Xi visited Saudi Arabia as part of an Arab outreach trip, where he met with President Abbas and pledged to work towards an early, just, and durable solution to the Palestinian issue. The recent visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Riyadh also aimed to ease tensions between the United States and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that the kingdom is not being forced to choose between Washington and Beijing.
In an interview with Chinese state news agency Xinhua, Palestinian official Abbas Zaki expressed his satisfaction with China’s increased involvement in Middle East affairs following the China-Arab States Summit last year. Zaki described China and the Palestinians as friends closer than brothers, highlighting the deepening ties between the two.
