Can China’s Middle East role extend to Israeli-Palestinian settlement?

Beijing envoy pledges support for UN-led mediation and promotion of ‘two-state solution’ on Jerusalem visit

Trip coincided with Beijing’s historic success in helping to restore Saudi-Iran diplomatic ties

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China’s special envoy to the Middle East Zhai Jun, left, with UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland in Jerusalem. Photo: China Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Published: 6:00pm, 16 Mar 2023Updated: 6:47pm, 16 Mar 2023

While China brokered a surprise deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran in Beijing last week, its special envoy to the Middle East Zhai Jun was on a visit to Israel to promote a settlement of the Palestinian issue.

Zhai arrived in Jerusalem on March 9 – one day before the historic agreement between Riyadh and Tehran to restore diplomatic ties – on a visit which included meetings with senior officials from Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

The Chinese foreign ministry said Zhai also met Tor Wennesland, the UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, telling him that “as tensions continue between Palestine and Israel, China is ready to support the United Nations in active mediation”.

Zhai said China will support the promotion of a proper settlement of the Palestinian issue while adhering to the “two-state solution”.

In a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki in Ramallah, Zhai said China would continue to “firmly support the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights”.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry statement, Abbas expressed his appreciation for China’s “just position on the Palestinian issue, and its long-standing valuable support to the country”.