Annual Report: China's Peace Initiatives and Principles in the Middle East Focus on the Palestinian Cause

By Jalal Sheen and Li Liangyong CAIRO, Dec. 2025 (Xinhua) -- Since the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, and the flare-up of tensions across multiple fronts in the Middle East, China has consistently called with a rational voice for a ceasefire while exerting maximum efforts to achieve it.

A truck loaded with humanitarian aid supplies provided by China to the Gaza Strip via Egypt in Cairo, Egypt, Nov. 27, 2023. (Xinhua)

Since then, China's calls and efforts to promote peace have never ceased. In September 2024, China presented a four-point proposal at a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East. In July 2025, China put forward five suggestions during an international conference on the two-state solution at the UN, urging the international community to take concrete actions for a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution.

According to Palestinian political analyst Suleiman Bisharat, China has continued its political, humanitarian, and economic support throughout the current conflict despite the complex circumstances. "This consistency is evident in China's support for Palestine on the international stage, especially at the United Nations," Bisharat said.

Meanwhile, Abdel Mohdy Motawe, director of the Middle East Forum for Strategic Studies and National Security in Cairo, told Xinhua that China has never hesitated to support the Palestinian people in all forms and at all levels. "China has never failed to support any international resolution that enhances Palestinian rights. Even the recent resolution supporting U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, China did not oppose it; on the contrary, it supported the resolution and submitted other drafts," he explained.

China's efforts have not been limited to the UN, but have extended to bilateral meetings between Chinese and foreign leaders, as well as through multilateral platforms such as the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, FOCAC, G20, SCO, BRICS, and ASEAN, where China has repeatedly called for a solution to the Palestinian cause.

Abbas Zaki praised China's position and contributions, describing it as a stance "full of sincerity and commitment to justice, serving as a positive example in international diplomacy." He stressed that "this gesture reinforces China's role as a reliable partner in the international community and encourages other countries to follow a similar approach, contributing to building a broader international consensus on our cause."

The photo shows the China-Palestine Friendship Square in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Nov. 26, 2025. (Xinhua)

Supporting and Promoting the "Two-State Solution"

China's support goes beyond mere words, manifesting in concrete actions. China has provided multiple batches of humanitarian aid to Palestine. In December 2025, it announced an additional 100 million U.S. dollars in aid to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support the enclave's recovery and reconstruction.

Furthermore, at China's invitation, high-level representatives from 14 Palestinian factions held a reconciliation dialogue in Beijing for the first time in July 2024. The factions signed the "Beijing Declaration," pledging to end division and strengthen unity.

"I believe China has shown great wisdom in dealing with the two-year war in Gaza," said Abdel Mohdy Motawe. "It has provided extensive humanitarian support alongside its diplomatic attempts to achieve calm and end the war." He added that Chinese policy is characterized by its pursuit of dialogue and peace, promoting negotiations and a seat at the table.

Motawe noted that in the face of U.S. "recklessness" during the Gaza war and the biased stance of some countries in favor of Israel, China's position was clear, and many countries later adopted the same stance. "Chinese policies encouraged other nations to take similar positions, contributing to the calm and ceasefire in Gaza, proving that China possesses a superior vision regarding this war," he stated.

The Palestinian cause is the core of Middle East issues, and its comprehensive and just settlement affects regional stability. China firmly maintains that the only viable way to resolve the issue is the two-state solution. While some claim this solution is "dead" due to constant undermining, China insists that the exit from recurring conflicts lies in returning to this path, promoting it at every opportunity.

Consistent with this vision, 2025 saw a wave of global recognition of the State of Palestine. Over 20 countries, including Western nations like France, the UK, Canada, Australia, Spain, and Portugal, announced their recognition, signaling strong support for the two-state solution. Observers believe that without China's efforts in building international consensus over the past years, recent progress on the Palestinian cause would not have been possible.

In the photo taken on April 19, 2024, humanitarian aid donated by China for the Gaza Strip is unloaded from a plane at El Arish Airport in North Sinai Governorate, Egypt. (Xinhua)

Hassan Al-Daja told Xinhua that China "is considered the safety valve in the UN Security Council. It has always supported the Palestinian cause and is the country that most strengthens the Palestinian position and supports the two-state solution." He added that China played a pivotal role in persuading countries through its diplomacy to recognize the Palestinian state. "This is what we witnessed at the UN meeting when more than 160 countries recognized the State of Palestine, which influenced France and Britain to also grant their recognition."

Yasser Mutlaq, head of the Fawasil Foundation for Research and Studies in Iraq, agreed, noting that China's recognition helped other countries adopt the same stance. Iraqi political researcher Nazem Ali Abdullah added that the world, through consultations and China's support, has realized that the two-state solution is the only path to peace in the region.

A "Stabilizing Factor"

for Peace China remains committed to its principles not only regarding the Palestinian cause but also other regional issues such as the Iranian nuclear file, clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, the situation in Yemen, the Sudanese conflict, and the Syrian crisis. China consistently emphasizes respect for sovereignty, promoting peace dialogue, and supporting fairness and justice.

Middle Eastern countries generally view China as a "stabilizing factor" due to its objective and impartial stance and its support for reconciliation. Khaled Al-Hroub, a political science professor at Northwestern University in Qatar, told Xinhua that China is a "reliable partner for Arab countries," maintaining a balanced position in regional conflicts, which enables it to act as a mediator.

He emphasized that China encourages dialogue and stays away from military force or unilateral sanctions. "China acts as a link between Arab countries and world powers, contributing to sustainable dialogue channels," Al-Hroub added, noting that Chinese diplomacy represents a model for other nations. Yasser Mutlaq noted that China's role is based on economic partnerships rather than military alliances. Hassan Al-Daja concluded that China's "win-win" policy for mutual benefit distinguishes it from Western approaches.

The photo taken on Sept. 11, 2025, shows an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council at the UN headquarters in New York. (Xinhua)

Suleiman Bisharat noted that China offers a model based on development, cooperation, and mutual interests, distinct from the colonial model established by Western powers. "This has helped China build a vast network of relations through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), in addition to creating political balance by not interfering in the internal affairs of regional countries, earning it widespread respect," he stated.

Referring to the BRI and China's four global initiatives, Khaled Al-Hroub explained China's core strategy in regional issues, which relies on three main pillars: direct dialogue, economic cooperation, and technical and institutional support. "This strategy allows conflicting parties to reach compromises without resorting to armed conflicts," he noted. He further highlighted China's economic role in conflict resolution, stating that investment in development and infrastructure projects helps alleviate socio-economic pressures and creates a suitable environment for effective political solutions. He concluded that China's economic and political influence serves as an effective tool for promoting stability and peace.

(Contributing Reporters: Yang Yiran, Dong Xiuzhu, Tian Ye, Huang Zemin, Zhao Weihong, Wang Zhuolun, Feng Guorui, Yao Bin, Xu Haofu, He Yiping, Duan Binfu, Wang Qiang, Xu Haijing)