China offers to help get Israelis and Palestinians talking
Beijing calls for restraint as violence follows US decision to move embassy to Jerusalem
China has offered to play a part in the Middle East peace process, saying on Saturday that it would work to bring Israeli and Palestinian representatives together for a forum on possible solutions.
The offer comes amid renewed conflict following US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the US embassy there.
The violence prompted the Chinese embassy in Israel to warn its citizens in the country to “stay vigilant”. It said they should be cautious when travelling to conflict areas including the old city of Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza and the Israel-Lebanon border.
Addressing a foreign ministry forum in Beijing on Saturday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China supported the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital but both sides should exercise restraint.
“China will try hosting a peace symposium between Palestinians and Israelis this year, and continue playing a constructive role to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli issue,” he said.