China Advocates for Palestinian State and Increased UNRWA Aid at China-Arab Forum

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Thursday, May 30th, 2024

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Beijing, May 30, 2024 — At the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China delivered a keynote speech emphasizing China’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause amidst the escalating Palestinian-Israeli conflict. President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to the two-state solution and called for increased assistance from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

 

President Xi expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in the Middle East, particularly highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and reiterated China’s firm stance on the two-state solution, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

 

“War should not continue indefinitely. Justice should not be absent forever,” President Xi stated. “Commitment to the two-state solution should not be wavered at will. China firmly supports the establishment of an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

 

In addition to political support, President Xi announced a substantial increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Following a previous contribution of RMB 100 million yuan, China will provide an additional RMB 500 million yuan to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and support post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Furthermore, China will donate USD 3 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to enhance its emergency assistance operations in Gaza.

 

President Xi also emphasized China’s support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations. He called for a more broad-based, authoritative, and effective international peace conference to address the ongoing conflict.

 

President Xi highlighted the historical ties and enduring friendship between China and Arab states, rooted in ancient Silk Road exchanges and shared struggles for national liberation. He emphasized the strategic importance of building a China-Arab community with a shared future, a vision agreed upon at the first China-Arab States Summit in Riyadh in 2022. The upcoming second summit in China in 2026 is expected to further solidify these ties and foster new avenues of cooperation.

 

In his address, President Xi outlined five key cooperation frameworks aimed at deepening China-Arab relations:

 

1. Innovation: Establishing joint laboratories in fields such as life and health, AI, and green development, and enhancing cooperation in space missions and technology.
2. Investment and Finance: Expanding forums for industry and investment cooperation, and enhancing digital currency exchanges and financial cooperation.
3. Energy: Strengthening strategic partnerships in oil, gas, and renewable energy projects.
4. Trade: Accelerating free trade agreements and increasing imports of non-energy products from Arab states.
5. People-to-People Exchanges: Promoting cultural and academic exchanges, with a goal of achieving 10 million two-way tourist visits in the next five years.

 

President Xi’s speech underscored the mutual benefits of China-Arab cooperation and the commitment to peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous global development. He called for a joint effort to improve global governance and support a multipolar world order that benefits all nations.

 

As the Middle East continues to grapple with conflict, China’s proactive stance and substantial contributions highlight its role as a key player in fostering peace, stability, and development in the region. President Xi concluded his address by reaffirming China’s dedication to building a brighter future alongside its Arab friends.