China is deeply concerned over the tension and violence, asking Palestine and Israel to immediately cease and end hostilities
The conflict has escalated again between Israel and Palestine, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday, killing over 200 people in Israel, according to reports this is the biggest escalation in decades. Israel responded with a wave of air strikes on Gaza, killing more than 400 people.
Hostilities are increasing Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Saturday night, stated that it will stop providing electricity, fuel and goods to Gaza. This war has caused massive casualties on both sides.
Image Source – Mint
China Steps in the Conflict
China is deeply concerned over the tension and violence, asking Palestine and Israel to immediately cease and end hostilities, exercise deterrence and remain calm to protect their civilians and avoid further destruction of life and property.
This Conflict has proved that peace cannot last for long between Palestine and Israel. Implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent State of Palestine is the only way out of this conflict.
China’s message to the international community
China speaks of the need for greater urgency. The international community needs to find ways to resolve this conflict, give possible solutions and set up peace talks between Palestine and Israel to ensure the safety of civilians on both sides.
Beijing says it will continue to work hard towards ensuring peace and ending conflict in the Middle East region. Earlier also it stepped up its diplomacy in the Middle East and brokered a surprise deal between rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran in March to end their hostilities and restore diplomatic ties.
Five years ago, Beijing tried to set up peace talks between Palestine and Israel. It proposed a four-point position paper on the Palestinian-Israel issue.
Image Source – Hindustan Times
Why is China’s interest in the Middle East increasing?
China’s involvement is increasing in Middle East political and security issues. it has reshaped the landscape of the region, expanding beyond traditional energy sources to economic, geopolitical, and strategic considerations. its investment and trade in the Middle East has increased considerably. Middle Eastern countries see their growing relationship with China as a means of diversification.
Image Source- India Today
Through its increasing involvement, China wants to reflect its role as a great power, an accountable and peaceful country, a nation with a shared future of mankind. Moreover, wants to display its ability in conflict management and ensuring shared goals. its increasing engagement poses a threat to US interests in the region and its relationships with traditional allies.
Over the past two decades, it has established close relationships with various Middle East organizations, including the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) in 2004, and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Strategic Dialogue in 2010.
