Tensions in the Middle East continue to attract international attention, as key diplomatic meetings take place in the region. Recently, Chinese diplomat Wang Kejian met with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar. This meeting marks the first meeting publicly recognized by Beijing between a Chinese representative and a member of Hamas since the start of hostilities in Gaza.
During the exchange, Wang and Haniyeh discussed the conflict in Gaza as well as other issues of importance. Haniyeh stressed the need to quickly stop the aggression and massacres, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza and the achievement of political goals aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state. Chinese Ambassador to Qatar Cao Xiaolin was also present at the meeting.
This meeting comes in a context where China seeks to play a mediating role to promote peace and expresses growing opposition to the war in Gaza. Wang, who has already met with officials in Egypt, the West Bank and Israel, pledged to work with the international community to quickly end hostilities and achieve a lasting political solution based on Palestinian and Israeli statehood.
China’s position, which calls for an immediate ceasefire and the implementation of a two-state solution, reflects its efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. By supporting Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations and advocating for an international peace conference, China seeks to show solidarity with the Arab world and the Global South while distancing itself from the positions of the United States.
This Chinese initiative underlines Beijing’s desire to take a leading role in international affairs and promote peaceful solutions to global conflicts. Diplomatic meetings between China and key players in the Middle East illustrate Beijing’s desire to contribute to regional stability and conflict resolution in a constructive and inclusive manner.