Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a peace conference aimed at resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict and ending \u201ctremendous suffering\u201d in Gaza. Addressing Arab leaders at the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing, Xi emphasized that Israel\u2019s war on Gaza \u201cshould not continue indefinitely\u201d and that \u201cjustice should not be absent forever\u201d. The Chinese leader’s remarks come amidst Israel’s deepening offensive on Gaza, including the capture of the Philadelphi Corridor and a renewed push into the northern Gaza Strip. Israel’s national security adviser suggested that the conflict could span another seven months. Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to aiding in alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza by pledging an additional 500 million yuan ($69 million) for emergency humanitarian assistance. Additionally, China will donate $3 million to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) to support their emergency assistance efforts in Gaza. China’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict aligns closely with Arab nations, advocating for a two-state solution, immediate ceasefire, and Palestinian UN membership. The country has been actively engaging in diplomatic efforts in the region, hosting talks between Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah, as well as brokering a significant reconciliation deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Xi Jinping used the platform in front of Arab leaders to highlight the potential for development in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to end the ongoing conflict. Analysts suggest that China is leveraging the Gaza crisis to enhance its diplomatic influence and position itself against perceived US inaction on the global stage. In terms of trade, Xi expressed China’s commitment to further cooperation with Arab states, particularly in the oil and gas sectors, and supporting renewable energy projects in the region.
