China and Palestine: A Strategic Partnership on the Horizon
In recent times, we have seen significant shifts in international relations, with new alliances being formed and existing ones being strengthened. The relationship between China and Palestine is one such example that has recently garnered attention. An announcement was made during a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing, marking a new chapter in their bilateral relations. This meeting led to the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Palestine, which is considered a noteworthy milestone in their relationship.
Historical Background
The relationship between China and Palestine is not new. This year, both countries commemorate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. President Xi Jinping acknowledged China’s early recognition of the Palestine Liberation Organisation and the State of Palestine, emphasizing the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
Over the years, the relationship between China and Palestine has experienced positive growth. In 2019, they initiated negotiations for a free trade zone, and in December of the same year, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation. The bilateral trade between the two nations reached $158 million in the previous year, reflecting a 23.2 percent increase compared to the prior year.
China's Role in Palestine's Development
China has also played a significant role in Palestine's development. President Xi Jinping assured President Abbas that China would continue to provide assistance within its capabilities to alleviate humanitarian difficulties and support reconstruction efforts in Palestine. In 2016, China pledged to offer 50 million yuan (approximately $7.4 million) in grants to Palestine to improve the well-being of the Palestinian people. Consequently, China has contributed to the construction of more than 40 projects in Palestine, including the Palestinian Foreign Ministry building.
China's Stand on the Palestinian Question
China's stance on the Palestinian question has remained consistent over the years. During the meeting, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights. The Chinese leader presented a three-point proposal to address the Palestinian question, which includes advocating for the establishment of an independent state of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital and full sovereignty. The proposal also emphasizes meeting Palestine’s economic and livelihood needs and ensuring that peace talks proceed in the right direction.
Recognizing the evolving global landscape and developments in the Middle East, China expressed readiness to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Palestine, working towards a comprehensive, just, and durable solution to the Palestinian question at the earliest opportunity.
China's Proactive Measures and International Role
In an effort to prevent the marginalization of the Palestinian question, China has taken proactive measures. As the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council in 2021, China organized five meetings on the Palestinian question and issued a presidential statement. China proposed three routes to implement the “two-state solution” and organized a seminar for peace activists from Palestine and Israel.
China has also criticized the U.S. response to the violence in Israel-Palestine as a “political farce” after Washington blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire and approved a $735 million dollar arms sale to Israel amid Israel’s ongoing assault on civilian centers in Gaza. Beijing has offered to host a summit that would bring the two sides into direct negotiations.
However, the effectiveness of China's peace proposals has been questioned. Despite its consistency, the proposals are often vague and offer nothing substantially new on the topic. The earlier attempts all failed to strike a chord with the parties involved, primarily due to China's close relationship with Israel, which may cause Palestinians to see China as a less neutral partner.
China-Israel Relationship
The China-Israel relationship is notable, with Israel historically being an important source of military technology that the United States is unwilling to share. According to 2018 data from the World Bank, Israel imported more goods from China than anywhere else, and China is the second-largest importer of Israeli products. Bilateral trade stands at around $15 billion and includes cooperation in infrastructure and high technology.
Starting in 2016, Chinese investors became especially interested in online businesses based in Israel’s “Silicon Wadi,” which offers less regulation than its U.S. counterpart. This relationship has resulted in significant R&D ties between businesses in the two nations, which culminated in a general “R&D Cooperation Agreement” between the two nations in 2010, as well as a separate R&D Cooperation Agreement with the municipal government of Shanghai, which provides funding for research and development for any joint projects of Israeli and Chinese companies.
While China has a similar relationship with several Arab states that (at least rhetorically) champion the Palestinian cause, China’s relations with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and other Palestinian organizations are much weaker. China has also been slow to embrace some of the most important positions held by the Arab states and the PLO.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Palestine marks a significant milestone in the history of their relations. While China has reiterated its support for Palestine's cause and has taken proactive measures to prevent the marginalization of the Palestinian question, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. As China continues to navigate its relations with Palestine and Israel, its ability to balance these relationships and play a constructive role in the Israel-Palestine conflict will be put to the test.
Sources:
"A deep look into China-Palestine’s Strategic Partnership" - Press Xpress (https://pressxpress.org/2023/06/18/a-deep-look-into-china-palestines-strategic-partnership/)
"Can China’s Israel-Palestine Peace Plan Work?" – The Diplomat (https://thediplomat.com/2021/05/can-chinas-israel-palestine-peace-plan-work/)
"The U.S. has been sidelined in Palestine-Israel diplomacy. Can Beijing do better?" - The Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/06/16/blinken-china-visit-beijing-economy/)
"China's Relations with Arab and Israel: Where Are We Now?" - The Middle East Institute
