In brief
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Israel to cease the forced expansion of settlements in the West Bank, describing the Palestinian question as the greatest injustice of the century. Beijing reaffirms its support for a two‑state solution and positions itself as a mediator in Middle East disputes. Wang called for immediate humanitarian access to Gaza and a renewed dialogue, while Israeli officials expressed a desire for peace amid security threats. Following China’s diplomatic achievements, including restoring Iran‑Saudi ties, Beijing seeks to break the current stalemate in Gaza.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned Israeli leaders that the country must stop the forced establishment of settlements in the West Bank and reverse its actions.
During a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the sidelines of an Azerbaijan conference, Wang described the Palestinian question as “the greatest historical injustice of this century” and reiterated Beijing’s backing of a two‑state solution.
China has long positioned itself as a mediator in Middle East conflicts, recently brokered a diplomatic deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia and helped propose a ceasefire in the US‑Israel conflict against Iran. Its current focus is on restoring Palestinian unity and ensuring immediate humanitarian access to Gaza.
In 2024, Beijing facilitated talks between rival Palestinian factions to form an interim national reconciliation government for the West Bank and Gaza, though the plan never materialised. Wang stressed that the immediate priority was to fully open Gaza to aid and end the spread of a humanitarian catastrophe.
China is ready to work with the international community to bring the parties back to dialogue and seek a political resolution. Following the bilateral meeting, Israeli President Herzog posted on X that he was pleased to meet Wang and emphasized Israel’s desire for peace alongside threats from Iran and its proxies.
China maintains close ties with Iran and is its largest buyer of Iranian oil, a key factor amidst US sanctions. While large‑scale bombardment of Gaza has stopped, Israeli strikes continue almost daily, with over 1,400 Palestinians killed in the year since the October 2025 ceasefire. Progress into the next phase of the ceasefire remains stalled, with accusations of violations on both sides.
The Chinese stance underscores Beijing’s evolving role as a potential peace broker in the region, amid ongoing humanitarian struggles in Gaza and stalled diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution.
