Chinese President Xi Jinping has joined the growing chorus of international criticism against Israel’s actions in the conflict with Hamas, calling for an end to the “collective punishment” of the people of Gaza. During the BRICS summit, President Xi emphasized the importance of a ceasefire and the safe passage of humanitarian aid to Gaza. China’s initial response to the conflict was measured, but as the casualties in Gaza mounted, the Chinese government increasingly condemned Israel’s bombardment and emphasized the need for a peaceful, multilateral resolution to the conflict.
China’s position on the conflict has sparked debate among analysts. While some view it as a reflection of a pro-Palestinian stance in Beijing’s foreign policy, others argue that China is aligning itself with a global sentiment critical of Israel’s actions. Historically, China maintained friendly relations with both Israel and the Palestinians, but recent rhetoric from Chinese diplomats has been more critical of Israel’s actions. China’s stance can be seen as part of its broader efforts to position itself as a peace broker in the Middle East.
China’s statements during the conflict have shown clear support for the Palestinian side. The Chinese government has called for a ceasefire, expressed concern about violations of humanitarian law, and described Israel’s retaliation as “collective punishment” of Palestinian civilians. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently reaffirmed China’s support for the cause of the Palestinian people, emphasizing China’s friendship with Arab and Muslim countries.
However, some experts argue that China’s position does not necessarily indicate bias against Israel. They point out that China’s stance aligns with the balance of global public opinion, which has grown increasingly critical of Israel due to the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza. Additionally, China’s relations with Arab countries and Iran have been developing smoothly in recent years, contributing to its perceived support for Palestine.
The conflict also presents an opportunity for China to score points against its main competitor, the United States, which is Israel’s staunchest ally. As US officials traveled through the region, Chinese diplomats made their own visits to countries such as Qatar, Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, as well as engaging with Israeli representatives in Beijing. China’s alignment with Palestine can be seen as part of its “underdog diplomacy,” positioning itself as a supporter of states that are ostracized by the West.
In conclusion, China’s call for an end to the collective punishment of Palestinians and its criticism of Israel’s actions in the conflict reflect its growing role as a global player in the Middle East. While some view China’s stance as biased, others argue that it reflects the balance of global public opinion and China’s pursuit of its own geopolitical interests. The conflict has also provided an opportunity for China to differentiate itself from the United States and score diplomatic points in the region.
