In brief
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned Israel to halt the forced establishment of West Bank settlements and urged a reversal of current actions. He highlighted the Palestinian issue as the greatest injustice of this century and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for a two‑state solution. China has recently brokered regional deals and offers to help return parties to dialogue, while ongoing conflicts in Gaza continue to pose humanitarian risks.
China has been positioning itself as a mediator for conflicts in the Middle East.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned Israel to halt forced settlement construction in the West Bank and reverse its actions.
In a private meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Azerbaijan, Wang described the Palestinian issue as the greatest injustice of the century and reiterated Beijing’s support for a two‑state solution.
China has brokered diplomatic breakthroughs, such as restoring ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023, and joined efforts with Pakistan for a US‑Israel‑Iran ceasefire.
Earlier this year, Beijing helped the rival Palestinian factions agree to a brief national reconciliation government in the West Bank and Gaza following the 2025 war, although the plan never materialised.
Wang said Israel’s immediate priority must be to open Gaza fully, stop escalations, and prevent a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.
He offered Beijing’s cooperation in bringing the parties back to dialogue and a political resolution.
Israeli President Herzog noted that the conversation focused on bilateral ties and the Middle East situation, stressing Israel’s desire for regional peace amidst threats from Iran.
China’s relationship with Iran—its largest oil buyer—continues to influence the dynamics of the region.
Despite a ceasefire, Israelis have continued daily strikes in Gaza and the situation remains precarious, with over 1,400 Palestinians killed in the past year per Hamas‑run health figures.
The stalled second phase of the ceasefire agreement has left both sides blaming each other for violations.
