On Wednesday, China said that it has formed a “strategic partnership” with the Palestinian Authority as a result of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ visit to Beijing.
The revelation represented a new development in China’s drive to surpass the United States in the Middle East by gaining political and economic sway.
As part of a combined challenge with Russia to the Western-led democratic international order, China is looking for energy resources and markets for its military and civilian exports while simultaneously pushing its form of authoritarian leadership.
With the appointment of a special envoy to engage with Israeli and Palestinian officials, Beijing has long maintained diplomatic contacts with the Palestinian Authority.
However, its expertise in the area is primarily restricted to building, manufacturing, and other business ventures.
At the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital, Abbas was greeted with all due military honors.
At the beginning of their conversation, Abbas was assured by Chinese President Xi Jinping, leader of the nation’s Communist Party, that “we are good friends and partners.”
“We have always stood firmly behind the Palestinian people’s just cause to reclaim their legal national rights.”
“China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Palestinian side to promote a comprehensive, just, and long-lasting solution to the Palestinian issue as soon as possible,” the official added.
The strategic alliance was described by Xi as a “important milestone in the history of bilateral relations,” but its financial specifics were not immediately made public.
According to Abbas, his government was “looking forward to strengthening cooperation with China within the framework of its initiative” and attracting investments.
He wished for the prompt deployment of expert delegations to carry out these projects.
“We especially appreciate the Chinese side’s commitment to financing a number of development projects presented by Palestine,” he added.
Such alliances are crucial to China’s diplomatic strategy and offer big Chinese businesses an advantage when negotiating infrastructure contracts that fall under the government’s “Belt and Road Initiative,” which has put several impoverished nations in crippling debt to Chinese banks.
In order to increase its diplomatic influence and obtain access to advanced technologies, China has likewise pushed to establish strong connections with Israel.
Abbas’ visit comes after China hosted negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which led to the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two foes in the Middle East and improved China’s reputation in the area.
As Gulf Arab governments believe that the United governments is gradually leaving the larger area, the reconciliation between Riyadh and Teheran is regarded as a diplomatic gain for China.
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