BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a peace conference to address the conflict between Israel and Hamas, speaking at a forum aimed at strengthening relations with Arab leaders.
Xi is currently hosting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and other Arab leaders this week.
China, as an oil producer and importer of crude from the Middle East, has sought to expand its influence in the region in recent years.
Unlike the United States, China positions itself as a more neutral player in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, advocating for a two-state solution while maintaining diplomatic ties with Israel.
The Middle East is a crucial region in China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, a cornerstone of Xi’s efforts to increase China’s global influence.
During his address, Xi voiced support for a comprehensive peace conference to resolve the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the need to end the ongoing war in the region.
Egypt’s President Sisi, speaking after Xi, urged the international community to provide long-term humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and to prevent forced displacement.
Sisi’s remarks come amid reports that the Israeli army has gained control over the Philadelphi corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, raising concerns about potential displacement of Palestinians from the area.
‘Golden opportunity’
China has long supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. President Xi Jinping emphasized the historic ties between China and Arab nations, highlighting cooperation along the ancient Silk Road.
As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, 21 Arab nations have signed cooperation agreements with China. Xi pledged to deepen strategic cooperation with Arab countries, particularly in oil and gas, and to collaborate on new energy technology research and development.
China has also sought to mediate regional disputes, including brokering a detente between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and facilitating discussions between rival Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah to promote intra-Palestinian reconciliation.
