China will try to stay aligned with Arab countries while improving ties with Israel as it challenges a US proposal to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, a balancing act that could position China as a more influential player, experts have said.
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China has been vocal against US President Donald Trump’s post-war plan for Gaza, which includes the removal of its Palestinian residents.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the UN Security Council last week that Gaza was not a political “bargaining chip”, and repeated China’s commitment to a two-state solution.
China supports a two-state formula based on a United Nations resolution adopted in 1967 that the West Bank and Gaza should be governed by Palestinians.
As part of its support for the Palestinians, Beijing plans to send 60,000 food parcels to Gaza, with the first 12,000 already shipped. Meanwhile, Washington has announced a complete halt to its foreign aid, a move blocked temporarily by a US court order.
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Israel, Hamas reach Gaza ceasefire deal for withdrawal of Israeli forces, hostage release
Israel, Hamas reach Gaza ceasefire deal for withdrawal of Israeli forces, hostage release
John Calabrese, director of the Middle East-Asia project at the US-based Middle East Institute think tank, said China had made its position clear despite Trump’s strong influence in the region.