Beijing, China – Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and pledged increased humanitarian aid for Gaza during the opening of a summit with leaders of Arab states on Thursday in Beijing.
Attended by heads of state from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Tunisia, and others, the summit aimed to address China’s expanding trade relations and security concerns related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“War should not continue indefinitely. Justice should not be absent forever,” stated Xi during his speech at the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. “Commitment to the two-state solution should not be wavered at will.”
Xi reaffirmed China’s support for a two-state solution and pledged 500 million yuan ($69 million) in humanitarian aid for Gaza, along with a $3 million donation to a United Nations agency assisting refugees of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
China, along with Arab states, stands in support of the Palestinians, condemning Israel over its settlements in the occupied territories. Despite this stance, China has seen growing economic ties with Israel.
In addition to addressing the conflict, Xi urged Arab states to deepen cooperation in various sectors, including trade, clean energy, space exploration, and healthcare.