In brief
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Baku and urged Israel to halt the forced establishment of West Bank settlements and reverse existing activities, citing the Palestinian conflict as a major injustice. China, long a proponent of a two‑state solution and a mediator in Middle Eastern disputes, highlighted its role in recent diplomatic successes such as the 2023 Iran‑Saudi rapprochement and its mediation of Gaza ceasefire talks. Despite a US‑brokered ceasefire that paused large‑scale attacks, daily strikes and humanitarian concerns remain severe. Wang called for full Gaza access and a renewed political dialogue, while Israel cites security threats as justification for its settlement policy. The meeting underscored the contrasting perspectives on the path to regional stability.
At a meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog to stop what he called the "forced establishment" of settlements in the West Bank and to reverse existing activities.
Wang framed the Palestinian issue as "the greatest historical injustice of this century" and reminded Israel of Beijing’s long‑standing support for a two‑state solution, citing its mediation role in the region.
China has brokered diplomatic breakthroughs elsewhere – restoring ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023 – and has been part of ceasefire talks on the Gaza front, urging a full humanitarian corridor and a return to political talks.
In 2024 Beijing secured an agreement between rival Palestinian factions to form an interim national reconciliation government for the West Bank and Gaza, though the plan never materialised on the ground.
The US‑brokered ceasefire that took effect in October 2025 temporarily halted large‑scale bombardment, but daily strikes continue, leaving more than 1,400 Palestinians dead on the island of Gaza.
Israeli officials, meanwhile, insist that security concerns – notably threats from Iran and its proxies – justify continued settlement activity and military operations.
China’s call for Israel to stop settlement construction and enhance Gaza access reflects a broader diplomatic strategy to restore stability through dialogue rather than confrontation.
