Chinese President Xi Jinping declared on Thursday that the war in Gaza “should not continue indefinitely,” reiterating China’s support for establishing an independent Palestinian state. Speaking at the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing, Xi emphasized the necessity of a two-state solution and the urgency of achieving justice.
“The war should not continue indefinitely. Justice should not be absent forever. Commitment to the two-state solution should not be wavered at will,” Xi stated.
Attendees at the forum included Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Tunisian President Kais Saied, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Xi affirmed China’s firm support for a fully sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He called for an international peace conference and announced China’s continued support for alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pledging 500 million yuan ($69 million) in aid and an additional $3 million to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).
Egyptian President El-Sisi praised China’s approach to the Palestinian issue, emphasizing Beijing’s support for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and urging the international community to deliver humanitarian aid promptly.
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the importance of Arab-Chinese cooperation in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and pursuing a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.
Bahrain’s King Al Khalifa and Tunisian President Saied also delivered remarks during the forum.
Xi highlighted the importance of strengthening China-Arab relations to maintain world peace and stability. He proposed expanding cooperation in investment, finance, and various other sectors, aiming to bolster the partnership with an annual trade turnover of approximately $400 billion.
Additionally, Xi announced initiatives to enhance cultural and political exchanges, including inviting 200 Arab political party leaders to China annually and targeting 10 million tourist visits between China and the Arab states over the next five years. He also mentioned plans for deeper financial cooperation, including support for Arab states issuing panda bonds in China and collaborating on central bank digital currency.
The 10th ministerial meeting, marking the 20th anniversary of the forum, was co-chaired by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzouk. The forum serves as a platform for dialogue and coordination between China and the Arab League.–News Desk