President Xi Jinping stated in a speech today that also addressed the Gaza conflict that China wishes to collaborate with Arab countries to manage hot spot issues in a way that upholds justice and fairness and achieves long-term peace and stability.
Xi was cited by state media as stating at the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing that China is looking to fortify its ties with Arab states as an example for preserving global peace and stability.
The Chinese leader made statements regarding the conflict in Gaza, saying that a “two-state solution” should be steadfastly maintained and that justice could not be permanently absent from the fight.
Xinhua news cited Xi as saying, “In the face of a turbulent world, mutual respect is the way to live in harmony, and fairness and justice are the foundation of lasting security.”
He was speaking to foreign ministers from other Arab League countries as well as the heads of state of Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Tunisia.
Beijing has consistently advocated for an early ceasefire, a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Palestinian admission to the UN—stances that are strongly aligned with those of the Arab countries.
China has been exerting more diplomatic influence in the region; in April, it hosted the first-ever discussions between Hamas and Fatah, two long-running rival Palestinian organizations, on Chinese soil. In addition, China mediated a historic peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran last year, ending years of animosity between the two bitter foes.
A bigger battle in the region could be triggered by the Gaza issue, particularly in light of the recent tit-for-tat attacks by Iran and Israel.
With a pledge to donate an additional 500 million yuan ($69 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance, Xi stated that China will continue to support efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and post-war reconstruction in Gaza.
In order to help the UN agency’s emergency relief to the Gaza Strip, China would also send $3 million to the Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, according to Xi.
He said that China would continue to work with Arab nations on a number of fronts, including larger-scale investments and the production of gas and oil.
In order to encourage Chinese energy businesses and financial institutions to take part in renewable energy projects in Arab nations with an installed capacity exceeding three million kilowatts, Xi pledged his assistance.
China is a major consumer of Gulf energy; according to Chinese customs data, bilateral commerce with the Gulf in 2023 was $286.9 billion, with Saudi Arabia making up almost 40% of that amount.
China will hold the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026, according to Xi.
