China’s pledge to lend Chinese might and wisdom to settling the Israeli-Palestinian problem is being put to the test as new confrontations between Israel and Gaza intensify.
The pledge made during Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ visit to Beijing is seen as part of China’s ambition to extend its diplomatic influence in the Middle East, a region traditionally dominated by the United States.
China’s Role as a Peacemaker
Nevertheless, China’s reaction to the ongoing crisis has been characterized by a measured approach, as they have advocated for both parties to exercise restraint and have expressed their endorsement of a two-state solution.
Despite official propaganda depicting China as a global peacemaker, experts suggest that Beijing’s limited experience and expertise in the region may hinder its ability to make a significant impact on the complex Palestine-Israel conflict.
The initial actions taken by Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his subsequent hesitance to explicitly identify or denounce Hamas have shed light on the complexities and obstacles associated with exerting influence in the region.
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Avoiding Direct Criticism of Hamas
While many countries, including the US and Europe, have condemned Hamas for its attacks, China refrained from directly criticizing the group, positioning itself as a neutral party in the conflict.
However, its state-run media’s coverage of the conflict appears to be slanted, focusing primarily on Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza.
China’s ambiguity in the face of Hamas’ violence has drawn comparisons to its stance on the Ukraine war, where it refused to condemn Russia’s aggression.
Despite claims of neutrality, state media’s coverage and social media posts reveal a clear leaning towards supporting the Palestinians and criticizing Israel, often with an indirect swipe at the US.
As China navigates its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and seeks to expand its influence in the Middle East, its responses and actions will continue to be closely scrutinized on the global stage, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the region.
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