BEIJING: China has announced the establishment of a “strategic partnership” with the Palestinian Authority during a visit to Beijing by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. This move signifies China’s ongoing efforts to expand its political and economic influence in the Middle East, where it is vying for power and influence alongside the United States.
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday. President Xi expressed his appreciation for their previous joint attendance at the inaugural China-Arab States Summit and their fruitful bilateral meeting, which resulted in significant common understandings.
China’s objectives in the region include securing energy resources, opening up markets for military and civilian exports, as well as promoting its own version of authoritarian governance, in collaboration with Russia, as a challenge to the Western-led democratic world order.
While China has appointed a special envoy to engage with Israeli and Palestinian officials, its involvement in the region has primarily revolved around construction, manufacturing, and other economic projects. Beijing has long maintained diplomatic ties with the Palestinian Authority, and President Abbas was accorded a warm welcome with full military honors at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing.
China to Strengthen Coordination with Palestine
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also the head of the ruling Communist Party, expressed solidarity with Abbas, stating, “We are good friends and partners. We have always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights.” Xi further expressed China’s willingness to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Palestinian side to expedite a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.
Xi referred to the strategic partnership as an “important milestone” in bilateral relations, although specific financial details were not immediately disclosed. China often relies on such partnerships to enhance its diplomatic standing and provide Chinese corporations with advantages when negotiating infrastructure deals in line with the government’s ambitious “Belt and Road Initiative,” which has left many countries burdened with significant debts to Chinese banks.
In addition to its collaboration with the Palestinian Authority, China has also been actively seeking closer ties with Israel to expand its diplomatic presence and gain access to high technology.
President Abbas’ visit follows China’s recent hosting of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia, resulting in the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two regional rivals. China’s mediation in this regard is viewed as a diplomatic triumph, particularly as Gulf Arab states perceive the United States as gradually reducing its involvement in the wider region.
