Immediate and comprehensive ceasefire
During his customary first trip of the year to Africa, the Chinese foreign minister, Wang, issued a joint statement with the Arab League. The statement urged an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” in Gaza, aligning with China’s stance on the conflict for over three months. Wang also expressed China’s call for a larger, more authoritative international peace conference and a specific timetable for implementing a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
China Backs Independent Palestine State:
China’s influence in the region’s peace efforts remains uncertain. However, Beijing has consistently supported an independent state of Palestine alongside Israel, aligning with its longstanding foreign policy. China, an early advocate for a two-state solution, recognized Palestine as a sovereign state in the late 1980s.
China as an alternative International Leader:
Analysts suggest that the conflict in Gaza offers an opportunity for Chinese President Xi Jinping. He aims to position China as an alternative international leader, especially for the Global South. The goal is to amplify perceptions that American policies have disrupted global stability. Alex Gabuev, the director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, notes that China gains favor by presenting itself as a diplomatic force for good amid global frustration and anger focused on the Gaza conflict.
Global South Supporting Palestine:
In the Gaza war, most Global South countries strongly oppose Israel’s actions. Portraying oneself as an agent for peace and a proponent of a negotiated solution gains more sympathy in the Global South. This contrasts with the Ukrainian war, where many countries are neutral, and the West is notably united.
Peace summit
Ukraine Urges China’s Intervention in Ukraine and Gaza War. In this regard Switzerland announced an upcoming peace summit at Ukraine’s request, aiming to gather world leaders to discuss ending the conflict. Zelensky invited all countries respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity to attend. When asked about Beijing’s invitation, China’s Foreign Ministry focused on promoting peace talks, without a direct response. Analysts doubt high-level attendance from China, as the summit’s starting point centers on Ukraine’s views, excluding Russia’s.
Russia Absence:
Russia hasn’t participated in any of the four closed-door international peace talks held. Its involvement is essential for a peace agreement. Among these talks, China attended only one, hosted by its strategic partner Saudi Arabia.
Beijing Russia Ties:
Beijing sees Moscow as a crucial partner in counterbalancing what it perceives as a hostile West. The two countries have strengthened security, diplomatic, and economic ties since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Sun in Washington states absence of Russia in peace talks makes peace irrelevant. China won’t back conditions opposed by Russia, and any attempt to involve China in such a setting is likely to fail due to its understanding of the optics involved.
Compromise between Kyiv and Moscow
Currently, China might remain on the side-lines until it perceives an opportunity for compromise between Kyiv and Moscow, at which point it may seek to enhance its role. Regarding brokering peace in Gaza, China probably doesn’t view itself as having seized the opportunity to present itself as a conflict mediator yet, suggesting more efforts are forthcoming.
