In brief
In a high‑profile meeting in Azerbaijan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Israeli President Isaac Herzog to end the forced construction of settlements in the West Bank and to reverse existing actions, framing the Palestinian issue as the greatest injustice of the century and reaffirming support for a two‑state solution. China has positioned itself as an active mediator in the region, recently brokering ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and pushing for Palestinian unity and a ceasefire in Gaza. Israeli officials cite security threats from Iran and regional instability, while Gaza endures humanitarian hardship amid ongoing strikes. The debate highlights divergent priorities as China seeks to enhance its diplomatic influence, Israel aims to secure its borders, and Palestinians demand self‑determination.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a summit on Middle‑East stability held in Azerbaijan, urged Israel to stop what he described as the “forced establishment” of settlements in the West Bank and to reverse the hardening of that policy. The diplomatic exchange took place on the sidelines of the conference, with Wang delivering a message that the Palestinian question is “the greatest historical injustice of this century.”
China has long backed the Palestinian cause and insists that a two‑state solution is the “correct direction.” In recent years the nation has sought to strengthen its role as a mediator, brokered a 2023 deal that restored diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and joined Pakistan in pushing for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. Beijing also facilitated an attempt in 2024 for a “national reconciliation government” in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, although the proposal never entered into force.
Wang highlighted an urgent priority: “fully open access to Gaza and stop the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.” He stated that China was ready to cooperate with the international community to bring the parties back to dialogue and pursue a political resolution to the conflict.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who met Wang, later posted on X that he was pleased with the encounter and that the discussion covered the broader relations between the two countries. Herzog also underlined Israel’s desire for peace while noting strategic security threats from Iran and its proxies.
The situation remains stark. One year into the ceasefire that began in October 2025, Gaza continues to face near‑daily Israeli strikes, displacement, and food‑security challenges. According to the Hamas‑run health ministry, which the UN regards as reliable, more than 1,400 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since the initial cessation of large‑scale bombardment.
While China’s diplomatic outreach signals an effort to shape the peace process, Israel’s response will hinge on balancing security concerns, settlement policy, and its relationships with both the United States and regional powers. The international community watches closely to see whether Beijing’s intervention can catalyze renewed negotiations and a durable settlement for all parties involved.
