China heralds new dawn of hope in the Middle East

The Beijing Declaration marks a pivotal moment in Palestinian politics and Middle Eastern diplomacy. Historically fragmented, Palestinian factions — such as the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) — came together not merely to converse, but to collectively commit to the Beijing Declaration. This unprecedented assembly of 14 factions, despite deep-seated ideological and political differences, achieved internal reconciliation and a broader unity that had long eluded the Palestinian cause.

The significance of this reconciliation cannot be overstated. It lays the foundation for a unified approach to Palestinian statehood, governance, and future political actions. By aligning their common goals, these factions have reinvigorated the Palestinian cause and redirected the Israeli-Palestinian peace process onto a more promising path.

China's consistent stance has been clear: the Palestinian issue requires a just and fair resolution, necessitating genuine interaction between the Palestinians and the Israelis. However, the lack of unity among Palestinian factions has historically hindered the peace process. With this newfound unity, there is a tangible opportunity for meaningful progress in peace negotiations.

The question arises: how has China succeeded where others, particularly the United States, have faltered? Several key factors contribute to China's effective mediation:

1. Sincerity and Brotherhood: China approaches the Palestinian issue with genuine sincerity, treating Palestinians as brothers and partners. This genuine commitment contrasts sharply with the often superficial engagement of Western powers.

2. Fairness and Impartiality: China's stance is grounded in fairness and a lack of self-interest. Unlike the West, which has long practiced divide-and-rule policies and labeled certain Palestinian factions as terrorist organizations to stymie unity, China seeks genuine peace.

3. Innovative Security Perspectives: China's involvement is underpinned by a holistic approach to national security and Global Security Initiative, positioning itself as an impartial mediator dedicated to peace.

4. Global Context and Responsibility: With the international community, especially Western powers, showing a lack of initiative in resolving Palestinian internal conflicts, China's proactive stance fulfills a critical need. This aligns with the political needs of Palestinian moderates and serves the highest national interests of Palestine.

Since the 1950s, China has consistently supported the Palestinian cause, often facing Western exclusion and obstruction. Despite these challenges, China's resolve has never wavered.

Recent geopolitical shifts have seen the US marginalize the Palestinian issue, focusing instead on strategic competition and regional alliances against Iran. This has sidelined the core issue of Middle Eastern peace. China, in contrast, maintains that the Palestinian issue is central to regional stability. The renewed focus on this issue amid escalating conflicts highlights the pertinence and realism of China's approach.

Implementing the Beijing Declaration will undoubtedly face challenges. Deep-rooted internal divisions among Palestinians require time and cooperation to build trust and consensus. Additionally, external factors — particularly the stances of the US, Israel, and other regional actors — pose significant obstacles. Constructive international support is crucial for the success of this reconciliation process.

Nevertheless, mechanisms have been established to ensure the implementation of the Beijing Declaration. These include frameworks for elections, the formation of a temporary national government, and other operational measures. While challenges remain, the establishment of these mechanisms marks a significant departure from past reconciliation efforts, providing a robust foundation for progress.

Looking ahead, China's role in the Middle East will likely expand across various domains, particularly in promoting peace and security. Key areas of focus will include:

1. Palestinian Statehood and Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks: Continuing efforts to support Palestinian statehood and facilitate the resumption of peace negotiations.

2. Saudi-Iran Reconciliation: Sustained efforts to consolidate and advance the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

3. Regional Security Issues: Addressing broader regional security concerns, including Yemen, Red Sea security, and the Syrian conflict.

4. Iran and Iraq: Engagement in resolving issues related to Iran and Iraq, contributing to regional stability.

China's commitment to these areas underscores its role as a proactive and impartial mediator, dedicated to fostering peace and stability in the Middle East. This approach not only benefits the region but also aligns with the broader goal of creating a community with a shared future for mankind, based on mutual respect and collective prosperity.

Tang Zhichao, a researcher of Middle East studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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