IntelBrief: What is China’s Position on the Israel-Hamas War?

Bottom Line Up Front

• The People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues to tread carefully in navigating the conflict between Israel and Hamas, stopping short of explicitly taking sides while calling for a ceasefire and a two-state solution — this follows a historical pattern of Chinese foreign policy related to the Arab Israeli conflict, that can best be described as a pro-Palestinian neutrality stance.
• Beijing has prided itself on being friendly with all parties in the Middle East, and China’s interests in the region are both financial and political.
• The war in Gaza significantly complicates China’s balancing act in the Middle East, and the current conflict will test Beijing’s political influence beyond economic ties and times of peace.
• While China has generated criticism from Israel and Western countries for its stance on the conflict in Gaza, Xi and his government are attempting to juxtapose themselves with the West by portraying the government in Beijing as a responsible global player seeking peace and stability.