While most of the Western World remains unwavering in its support of Israel other Global powers are speaking up in favor of palestine's Gaza last month the Arab Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia announced that a ministerial committee would be dispatched to strengthen international support of a ceasefire the committee's first stop China ascending to the presidency of the UN Security Council China has put forward a five-point proposal for a ceasefire and a political solution for Palestine but at the same time China and Israel's strong economic ties are affecting diplomacy with trade between the two surpassing $24 billion
in 2022 so how does China View Palestine and Israel and could Beijing bolster efforts for Palestinian statehood China has a long history of supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state with ma zong the chairman of the Communist Party of China considering Israel an outpost of American imperialism in 1965 a delegation from the Palestinian Liberation Organization or PLO was received in Beijing with a state welcome rally of 10,000 people a year later China was the first non-arab country to officially recognize May 15th as NECA day in solidarity with the Palestinians who were forcibly expelled from their
land and homes China even armed the Palestinian Liberation Army prior to the 1967 Arab Israeli War due to its ideological stance of supporting revolutions and Liberation movements that did not conflict with beijing's national interest but while it maintained ties with the Palestinians and supported the end of the occupation the relationship was deprioritized after the war amid Palestinian factionalism and the political mediation of the United States despite its support for the Palestinian people China has moved to deepen its ties with Israel since establishing full diplomatic relations in 1992 China's relationship with Israel has largely been based
on economic interests China has extensive investments in Israel attracted by its position as a technology Hub the region is also important for president XI jinping's massive belon Road initiative or BR aimed at upgrading world trade routes China has invested in more BR projects in Israel than in any other Regional country although Israel has not even formally signed on to the initiative the two countries also have strong military ties after Russia Israel is China's largest military cooperation partner however Beijing has also become more distrustful of Tel Aviv after pressure from Washington LED Israel to tighten government
oversight on Chinese investments in 2022 as China Imports most of its oil from the Middle East the sentiments of neighboring Arab states can also not be ignored wary of possible changes in oil prices China's rhetoric against the assault on Gaza has strengthened compared to previous Wars by is Israel in an effort to balance its interests on both sides China is also cautious of how the situation could escalate and has even deployed six warships to the gulf the Arab Islamic committee for Gaza choosing China as their first destination for an official visit was a clear indication
that Western countries are no longer considered Fair Brokers on the Israeli Palestinian issue China by contrast has championed a strategy of Underdog diplomacy and anti Western neutrality it remains largely neutral in public statements but stops short of condemning any country or force that challenges Western dominance on the global stage instead wanting to be seen as an ally of the side that is being ostracized by the West expanding its economic influence has also allowed China to offer itself as an alternative to the United States when it comes to mediating in 2023 China successfully broker a deal
between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore relations between the two countries after Decades of enmity and a formal cutting of ties in 2016 however with China's shift from ideology to economic prow in recent decades it seems unwilling to go further than calling for a resolution and sending Aid to the Palestinians China's support for Palestine thus far has followed the wave of international public opinion that is strengthening against Israel and provides a chance for Beijing to score points against Washington amid Rising tensions between the two superpowers but its non-interventionist approach and and lack of direct history
in the region means it is unable to significantly influence events on the ground without taking further action as Israel's deadly attacks on the Palestinians continue will China take a stronger stand for Gaza
