BEIJING: China aims to collaborate with Arab nations to address conflict zones in ways that promote fairness, justice, and long-term peace and stability, President Xi Jinping stated in a speech on Thursday, which also emphasized the Gaza crisis.
At the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing, Xi highlighted China’s desire to enhance its relationships with Arab states as a model for global peace and stability, as reported by state media.
Regarding the Gaza conflict, Xi asserted that war cannot persist indefinitely, justice must not be absent, and a “two-state solution” should be firmly supported.
“In a turbulent world, mutual respect is the path to harmony, and fairness and justice are the foundations of lasting security,” Xi remarked, according to Xinhua news.
He addressed leaders from Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Tunisia, as well as foreign ministers from other Arab League nations.
China has consistently advocated for a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, an immediate ceasefire, and Palestinian membership in the United Nations — positions closely aligned with those of many Arab nations.
China is increasingly asserting its diplomatic influence in the region, having recently hosted the first talks between the long-feuding Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah in April. Last year, China brokered a significant reconciliation deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia after years of hostilities.
The Gaza crisis risks escalating into a broader conflict, particularly after recent retaliatory attacks between Israel and Iran.
“China should recognize that cooperation between Arab countries and the United States is inevitable. The Gaza-Israel war and the Palestinian issue will undoubtedly be focal points of this meeting, and both sides will reaffirm the two-state solution,” stated Hongda Fan, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University.
Xi pledged China’s ongoing support for alleviating the humanitarian crisis and rebuilding efforts in Gaza, committing another 500 million yuan ($69 million) in emergency humanitarian aid.
China will also donate $3 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to support emergency assistance in Gaza, Xi added. He mentioned that China would further cooperate with Arab states in various sectors, including oil and gas, and larger-scale investments.
Xi expressed support for Chinese energy companies and financial institutions to engage in renewable energy projects with a total installed capacity exceeding three million kilowatts in Arab countries.
China, a major consumer of Gulf energy, saw bilateral trade with the Gulf reach $286.9 billion in 2023, according to Chinese customs data, with Saudi Arabia accounting for nearly 40% of that trade. Xi announced that China will host the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026.—Reuters
