During a meeting with top representatives of Arab countries on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to provide assistance to the Gaza Strip and expressed support for a peace conference. Xi emphasized the need for an end to the conflict in Gaza, highlighting the importance of justice prevailing.
Although China has maintained a neutral stance in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Beijing has consistently called for negotiations on a ceasefire and expressed concerns about Israel’s offensive in Rafah. The Chinese Foreign Ministry urged all relevant parties to work towards ending the hostilities.
China has longstanding relations with the resource-rich Arab world and has been investing in various projects in the region through its Belt and Road Initiative. During the meeting with Arab leaders in Beijing, Xi mentioned potential areas of cooperation such as green technologies and artificial intelligence.
Xi also pledged to contribute $3 million towards the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for post-war reconstruction efforts. China backs full UN membership for Palestine and is in favor of convening a larger and more authoritative international peace conference.
The China-Arab States Cooperation Forum brought together leaders from Bahrain, Egypt, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss collaboration and economic development. Xi reiterated China’s commitment to supporting the region and fostering closer ties with Arab nations.
