Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed China’s support for the Palestinian struggle for statehood during a visit by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where Abbas was greeted with military honours.

Xi emphasised the strong friendship and partnership between China and Palestine, stating that China has consistently supported the Palestinian people’s just cause to regain their legitimate national rights. China aims to play a more significant role in the Middle East, challenging the influence of the United States and facilitating Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Xi reiterated China’s stance on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This positionimg-align-s with a 1967 UN Security Council resolution, despite Israel’s rejection of it.

Abbas expressed his administration’s desire to strengthen cooperation with China and attract investment. He appreciated China’s commitment to financing various development projects in Palestine and urged the prompt dispatch of technical delegations for project implementation.

Xi described China’s relationship with Palestine as a strategic partnership, marking an important milestone in bilateral relations. China has maintained diplomatic ties with the Palestinian Authority for an extended period and has positioned itself as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

China has been actively expanding its influence in the Middle East, including facilitating the Saudi Arabia-Iran rapprochement in March. By challenging long-standing American dominance in the region, China aims to strengthen its presence and promote a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. Notably, China hosted Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in February, the first visit by an Iranian leader to China in three decades.