China’s president this Wednesday (14) repeated to his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas, the call for the State of Palestine to become a “full member of the UN,” according to a report by the Chinese state press.
The call from Xi Jinping, who had already taken a similar stance in Saudi Arabia in December, comes as Beijing seeks to strengthen its role as a mediator in Middle East disputes.
Chinese diplomacy, which enabled an unexpected rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia earlier this year, claims to be contributing to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, which has been deadlocked since 2014.
China supports idea of Palestine becoming full member of UNXi Jinping said during a meeting in Beijing with Abbas, who is visiting China, quoted by China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
“The fundamental solution to the Palestinian question lies in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with full sovereignty, based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital”emphasized Xi Jinping.
China, which also has good relations with Israel, recognizes Palestine as a state and traditionally supports the two-state solution.
According to Jinping, justice must be done to Palestine “as soon as possible”, while Beijing wants to “enhance coordination and cooperation” with the Palestinian authorities for a “swift, comprehensive, fair and lasting solution” to the conflict.
“China is ready to play a proactive role in Palestinian efforts to achieve internal reconciliation and advance peace talks,” he added.
Until recently, China has been less involved in the Israeli-Palestinian issue than the United States, but in recent months it has defended its position on the matter with more tenacity and vigor.
“We must respect the historic ‘status quo’ of Jerusalem’s holy sites, reject radical and provocative words and actions, and promote the convening of a broader international peace conference with greater authority and influence,” Jinping said.
Abbas, 87, is in Beijing until Friday and was received today at the monumental People’s Palace, next to Tiananmen Square.
“I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank China for everything China is doing to support the rights of the Palestinian people and help the State of Palestine become a full member of the UN,” Abbas told Jinping.
In a joint statement, China and the Palestinian authorities also announced to establish “strategic partnership relations”, taking diplomatic relations to the next level.
This is Mahmoud Abbas’ fifth official visit to China.
Defined by the United States as a rival, China has in recent years strengthened its commercial and diplomatic ties with Middle Eastern countries, many of which are traditionally under US influence.
On a diplomatic level, China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, also today confirmed to his Palestinian counterpart, Riyad al-Malki, Beijing’s support for efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
According to a statement from China’s foreign ministry, Qin noted that Abbas is the first Arab head of state to be hosted by China this year, which “fully demonstrates the special friendship between China and Palestine and China’s support for the righteous.” cause of Palestine”.
The Chinese minister said Abbas and Jinping “will establish a high-level plan for the development of bilateral relations, clarify the strategic direction and take the traditional friendly relations between the two countries to a new level.”
“China attaches great importance to the Palestinian issue and has always strongly supported the just cause of the people of Palestine to restore their legitimate national rights. China will continue to support the right direction of peace talks and contribute its wisdom and strength to the resolution of the conflict,” the official note read.
Source: DN
