China VP UN speech Gaza West Bank
The logic behind Beijing's current stance on the Middle East isn't just about diplomacy; it's a calculated move to secure political inclusion without taking direct responsibility for the conflict. While China's Vice President addressed the UN to insist that Palestinians must govern Gaza and the West Bank, the underlying strategy is about setting principles while avoiding ground-level involvement. The speaker made sure to assert that Gulf sovereignty must be respected and called for returning the situation to a two-state deal framework immediately. This approach, where Gaza reconstruction remains under Palestinian control, aligns with a script Beijing has been running consistently for months. As Lucas argues, the goal is clear: get a seat at the table regarding the politics of the region, but stay off the battlefield itself.
Transcript (en)
China holds that the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf, should be respected. International industrial and supply chains should be kept stable and unimpeded, and global trade should be safeguarded. China calls for advancing the governance of the West Bank and the post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza in accordance with the principle of the Palestinians governing Palestine. It also calls for bringing the Palestinian question back onto the right track of this two-state solution at an early date.
