Xi of China urges for a Middle East peace summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a peace conference on the war between Israel and Hamas, as he addressed Arab leaders at a forum aimed at strengthening ties with the region. The conference, proposed by Xi during a meeting with Arab leaders including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

China, a key player in the region due to its oil imports and infrastructure initiatives like the Belt and Road project, has positioned itself as a more neutral actor in the Israel-Palestinian conflict compared to the United States. Xi has advocated for a two-state solution while maintaining good relations with Israel.

During the forum, Xi expressed his support for a “broad-based” peace conference to address the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the need for justice and an end to the ongoing war in the region. Egypt’s Sisi also called on the international community to provide long-term humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and to end the Israeli siege.

Sisi’s comments come in the wake of the Israeli army gaining “operational control” over the strategic Philadelphi corridor along the border between Gaza and Egypt. The move has raised tensions in the region, prompting Sisi to seek political support from China to navigate the challenging situation.

China has long advocated for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict and has deepened its ties with Arab nations through cooperation agreements under the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi emphasized the historical ties between China and the Arab world, citing the ancient Silk Road as a foundation for their friendship.

In addition to promoting peace in the Middle East, China has also worked to mediate conflicts in the region, including brokering a detente between Saudi Arabia and Iran last year. By hosting talks between rival Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah, China has positioned itself as a key player in promoting intra-Palestinian reconciliation.

Analysts suggest that China is leveraging the war in Gaza to enhance its influence in the region and challenge Western dominance in global affairs. By criticizing perceived US inaction and advocating for an alternative global order, China is seeking to appeal to a wider audience and position itself as a mediator in the ongoing conflict.

Overall, Xi’s call for a peace conference on the Israel-Hamas conflict reflects China’s growing role in the Middle East and its efforts to promote stability and cooperation in the region. As tensions continue to escalate, China’s diplomatic initiatives could play a crucial role in resolving the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hamas.