Conflict between Israel and Hamas puts China’s approach to Middle East to the test
- Beijing is trying to maintain its long-established position and has called for restraint after more than 1,000 people on both sides died in the latest violence
- China is expected to continue supporting a two-state solution, but its credentials as a peace broker may come under scrutiny
A day after Israel declared a “state of war” following the attack by Hamas militants, China joined Russia, Turkey and several Arab states in calling for calm and restraint amid the latest violence, which has already claimed more than 1,000 lives.
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Unlike the US, India and most countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America, China has not condemned Hamas or offered its backing to Israel.
Beijing’s response was consistent with its long-held policy of steering clear of foreign conflicts.
Fan Hongda, a professor at Shanghai International Studies University’s Middle East Studies Institute, said that the two-state solution, which envisions an independent state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel, is broadly accepted by the international community as a way to end the conflict.