The Chinese government expressed its support for initiatives that strengthen the position of the Palestinian Authority and promote dialogue among Palestinian factions on Friday. This was a subtle reference to Hamas, with whom the Palestinian Authority has been in conflict for years over the formation of a Palestinian unity government.
President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority recently reorganized his cabinet following a call from the United States to revitalize the structure that Hamas criticized as ineffective in governing the Palestinian territories. In response, China pledged to support efforts to strengthen the Palestinian National Authority and promote reconciliation among all factions.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi previously stated that recognition of Palestine would correct a historical injustice and that all UN member states should fulfill their duty to recognize Palestine. He emphasized that such recognition should not be contingent on Israeli-Palestinian negotiations but rather serve as a step towards granting Palestine equal negotiating leverage for a two-state solution with Israel.
