Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Call for Peace Conference
Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed Arab leaders at a forum aimed at strengthening ties with the region and called for a peace conference to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
China’s Role in the Middle East
China, as an oil producer and importer of crude from the Middle East, has been actively seeking to expand its influence in the region. It has positioned itself as a more neutral actor in the Israel-Palestinian conflict compared to the United States, advocating for a two-state solution while maintaining good relations with Israel.
Xi Jinping’s Support for Peace
During the forum, President Xi expressed his support for a “broad-based” peace conference to address the Israel-Hamas conflict. He emphasized the need for justice and an end to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Egypt’s Call for Humanitarian Assistance
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged the international community to provide long-term humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and to end the Israeli siege. He emphasized the importance of preventing Palestinians from being forcibly displaced from their land.
China’s Diplomatic Efforts
China has long advocated for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict and has been actively engaging with Arab nations as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. President Xi highlighted the strategic cooperation between China and Arab countries in the oil and gas sector and expressed readiness to collaborate on new energy technology.
China’s Mediation Role
China has positioned itself as a mediator in the region, brokering detente between Saudi Arabia and Iran and facilitating talks between rival Palestinian groups. Analysts suggest that China is leveraging the conflict in Gaza to enhance its influence in the region and challenge perceived Western double standards.
