In the aftermath of Hamas’ unprecedented attack on southern Israel, which led to over 1,000 civilian casualties and the capture of hundreds as hostages, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Israel to cease what he described as the “collective punishment of civilians in Gaza.” This call came during a phone conversation with the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister. Israel, however, expressed disappointment with China’s response, noting a lack of unequivocal condemnation for the Hamas attack.
While the Chinese regime has refrained from specifically denouncing Hamas, it has called on all parties to exercise restraint and remain calm. This approach has drawn criticism from the United States and Israel, who argue that it lacks empathy for the victims of the attack. The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, reiterated American support for Israel’s right to self-defense and called for an immediate cessation of Hamas’ attacks and the release of hostages.
China’s role in this conflict is being closely scrutinized. Some observers suggest that China’s alignment with Palestine could be linked to its relationship with Iran, which has supported Hamas. This complex geopolitical situation further complicates efforts to find a resolution to the escalating conflict. President Biden is seeking to reestablish communication with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, although such a meeting has not yet been confirmed by Beijing. Meanwhile, President Xi is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the intricacies of the relationships involved.
