Now, China Wants To Broker A Deal Between Israel And Palestine

China has offered to mediate between Palestinian factions and facilitate peace talks with Israel, signaling its intent to expand its diplomatic role in the Middle East.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Palestinian Authority (PA) leader Mahmoud Abbas met in Beijing and announced the signing of a strategic partnership. China has been increasing its political presence in the region and hopes to rival the US as a broker, as well as replace Russia's declining influence.

During the meeting, President Xi expressed China's support for the Palestinian cause and its willingness to play an active role in promoting peace talks and facilitating internal reconciliation among Palestinians.

China reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution with pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as the capital of a sovereign Palestinian state. Xi also emphasized the need for international development assistance to Palestinians.

China's offer comes two months after its foreign minister expressed readiness to facilitate peace efforts between Israel and Palestine.

China has historically had close diplomatic ties with Palestinian leaders and has become a significant investor in Israeli infrastructure and technology in recent decades.

However, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been at a standstill since 2014, with prospects of a resolution dwindling due to the expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and the formation of a right-wing Israeli government. Additionally, tensions persist between the two main Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas, making reconciliation challenging.

While China's involvement may face limitations due to its less favorable relationship with Israel and the deep-rooted divisions among Palestinian factions, Beijing seeks to position itself as an alternative mediator in the region, particularly if its relations with Western powers remain strained.