China heralds new dawn of hope in the Middle East

China's involvement in the Middle East stands out distinctly from other global powers because of its commitment to fairness and justice. Unlike Western countries, which often pursue self-serving agendas, China has maintained relatively friendly relations with all nations in the region without taking sides. Our objective is clear: Promoting peace, stability, and development in the Middle East, aligning with the interests of the people there and fostering cooperation that leads to mutual prosperity. This approach positions China uniquely to advance peace and stability in the region. On the Palestinian issue, China has long been dedicated to seeking a fundamental, fair, and effective resolution.

The core problem lies in Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territories. Addressing this issue fundamentally requires internal Palestinian unity, forming a strong community dedicated to nation-building. Only then can the process of establishing a Palestinian state advance more effectively.

China has actively facilitated dialogues among various Palestinian factions, encouraging them to prioritize national interests over party interests. This effort was crucial for the achievement of the Beijing Declaration. Some foreign media have questioned the lack of a timeline for its implementation, but it is important to understand that resolving the Palestinian issue cannot be accomplished overnight. Western nations, particularly the United States, have consistently favored Israel, hindering genuine progress toward peace. In contrast, China's stance of fairness and justice, offers a viable path forward. The journey may be long, but as long as we persist, progress will be made.

Achieving internal Palestinian reconciliation and forming a strong, united front can eliminate the pretext often used by the US and Israel — that there is no viable partner for peace. Once a cohesive Palestinian entity is established, Israel's excuses for avoiding peace negotiations will be invalidated. Recent efforts by China at mediating Middle Eastern affairs demonstrate China's continued commitment to peace, stability, and development of the region.

Critics argue that China's involvement in the Middle East is a strategy to compete with the US for influence. This is a misconception. China does not seek to dominate the Middle East. Unlike the US and some European nations, which have historically tried to control the region to advance their hegemony, China's only goal is to promote peace. This is precisely what the people of the Middle East desire. The American approach of divide and conquer serves its own interests but fails to bring peace and stability to the region.

China, as a country with significant influence, has both the obligation and the capability to contribute to the resolution of the Palestinian issue and the broader Middle East peace process. China's efforts are based on a long-standing principle of cooperation with developing nations, aiming for collective prosperity. China has intensified efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in the Middle East, recognizing that the US' favoritism toward Israel has stalled the peace process.

The signing of the Beijing Declaration underscores China's crucial role in the Middle East peace process. However, we must acknowledge that resolving the Palestinian issue requires a continuous, collective and step-by-step approach. Progress must be irreversible to ensure a sustainable path toward Palestinian independence. With persistent effort, the goal of an independent Palestinian state is within reach.

The Beijing Declaration will have a substantial impact on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Palestinian internal reconciliation will dismantle Israel's longstanding narrative that there is no Palestinian partner for peace. A unified Palestinian front represents the entirety of the Palestinian people, providing a legitimate counterpart for holding negotiations and eliminating Israel's excuses for continued occupation and military actions.

The US' resistance to the Beijing Declaration stems from its desire to maintain hegemony in the Middle East. It wrongly perceives China's actions as a quest for dominance. However, China's objective is clear: the stable development and prosperity of the Middle East align with the interests of its people and provide opportunities for cooperation with China. This approach embodies the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, focusing on peace, development, and shared prosperity, rather than control and manipulation.

China's dedication to the Middle East peace process is not about seeking power but about fostering a stable and prosperous region. Peace, development, and shared prosperity are China's goals, and these principles guide its actions in the Middle East.

Li Xinggang, a researcher at the Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean Rim at Zhejiang International Studies University