BeiJing(AP)China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday urged an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and voiced strong support for Palestinian statehood, placing Beijing at odds with Washington over the conflict.
“Force cannot bring peace, and violence cannot deliver security,” ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a daily press briefing. He added that China would continue working with the international community to push for a cease-fire in Gaza and “firmly support the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights.”
Guo said Gaza is “an inalienable part of Palestinian territory” and called on countries with “special influence over Israel” to take responsibility for ending the fighting. He also reiterated Beijing’s position that Gaza’s postwar governance should follow the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine,” while underscoring China’s opposition to any unilateral measures undermining a two-state solution.
His comments came after several countries, including Britain, Canada and Australia, recently announced their recognition of a Palestinian state. At the same time, the U.S. has continued to sell weapons to Israel and has discussed with Gulf states possible interim governance arrangements for Gaza.
China has joined a growing number of European governments in voicing support for Palestinian statehood, highlighting an emerging split with Washington.
A senior U.S. official said last week that Israel remains America’s key partner in the Middle East. “Even without Israel, the United States would have created one,” the official said.
Analysts say Beijing and some European capitals are seeking to counterbalance U.S. influence in the region by pressing for a stronger Palestinian role in any postwar settlement.
