Algerian Foreign Minister Urges Arab-Chinese Partnership to Support Palestinian Cause

During the 10th Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum held in Beijing on May 30, 2024, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ataf called for a robust Arab-Chinese partnership to prioritize supporting the Palestinian cause. This call comes amidst growing global concern over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between China and Arab states, highlighting mutual respect, fairness, and justice as vital components for maintaining world peace and stability. Xi announced that China will host the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026, marking a significant milestone in China-Arab relations.

Xi Jinping reiterated China's support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and pledged 500 million yuan ($69 million) in humanitarian aid for Gaza. He also promised $3 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to support emergency humanitarian assistance.

The joint statement issued at the forum condemned Israel's ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people, highlighting the devastating impact on Gaza, where over 125,000 citizens, mostly women and children, have been killed or injured. The statement denounced Israel's policies of starvation, blockade, and destruction of infrastructure, which included the arrest and torture of thousands of Palestinian detainees.

Why this matters: The Arab-Chinese partnership's support for the Palestinian cause has significant implications for the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader Middle East region. This partnership could lead to increased diplomatic pressure on Israel and potentially influence the trajectory of the conflict.

The forum's participants called on the UN Security Council to adopt a binding resolution for an immediate, comprehensive, and permanent ceasefire. They criticized the United States for using its veto power to block Palestine's bid for full membership in the United Nations and expressed support for the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice in the case brought by South Africa against Israel for violating the Genocide Convention.

In his keynote speech, Xi Jinping stated, 'Since last October, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has escalated drastically, throwing people into tremendous suffering. War should not continue indefinitely.' Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi also urged the international community to stop the ongoing conflict, saying, 'I call on all active actors of the international community to assume their moral and legal responsibilities to stop the outrageous Israeli war.'

The forum underscored the need for Palestinian factions to unite under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and fulfill their responsibilities through national partnership. The joint statement welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution recognizing Palestine's eligibility for full UN membership and called on countries yet to recognize Palestine to do so swiftly.

The 10th Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum highlighted the deepening ties between China and Arab states, with a shared focus on supporting the Palestinian cause and addressing regional crises. The event marked a significant step in promoting cooperation and solidarity in the face of ongoing conflicts and humanitarian challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Algerian FM calls for robust Arab-Chinese partnership to support Palestinian cause.
• China pledges $69 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza and $3 million to UNRWA.
• Arab-Chinese partnership condemns Israel's aggression, calls for immediate ceasefire.
• Forum urges international community to recognize Palestine's eligibility for full UN membership.
• China to host 2nd China-Arab States Summit in 2026, deepening China-Arab relations.