China Unveils Mideast Peace Plan at UN Security Council

China presented a four-point plan for Middle East peace at the UN Security Council, emphasizing the need for a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

China presented the United Nations Security Council with a four-point plan for Middle East peace on Wednesday, signaling its ambitions to become a global superpower. However, the plan lacked specific details, and the United States promptly reminded the council of its efforts to alleviate the Gaza conflict.

China's Limited Role in Middle East Negotiations

China has traditionally played a limited role in negotiations related to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, which have been predominantly dominated by the United States for several decades. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the Security Council, emphasizing that the recent war underscores the urgent need for a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Wang stated, "We should revitalize the political prospects of the two-state solution with stronger determination." He characterized the absence of a Palestinian state as "the crux of the repeated turbulence in the Palestinian-Israeli situation."

US Support for a Two-State Solution

US President Joe Biden and other American officials have also expressed support for pursuing a two-state solution to resolve the conflict. China made a significant foray into Middle Eastern politics when it brokered a deal in March between long-standing adversaries Iran and Saudi Arabia to reestablish diplomatic ties. The agreement, reached in Beijing with direct involvement from President Xi Jinping, contributed to easing the Saudi-Iranian rivalry that has fueled conflicts across the region.

Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, commented, "For the first time they showed a willingness to play a role in Middle East political and security matters. That has then opened up the floodgate of expectations."

US Efforts to Ease the Gaza War

Despite China's growing involvement, the United States maintains its position as a major power in the Middle East. US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield highlighted Washington's endeavors, in collaboration with Middle Eastern allies, to help alleviate the ongoing war in Gaza.

"We're now on the sixth day of the humanitarian pause in Gaza," she said. "A pause that, quite frankly, would not have been possible without the leadership of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States."

Wang's Historical Perspective and Call for Action

Wang adopted a broader historical perspective during his address to the Security Council. He noted that Israel has long established an independent state and that the Jewish people now have a homeland. However, he emphasized that the Palestinian people's right to statehood, existence, and return has been consistently disregarded.

Wang asserted, "Fairness and justice on the Palestinian question lies in the two-state solution. This is irreplaceable."

Elaborating on his other points, Wang urged the council to "work for a comprehensive and lasting cease-fire with the greatest urgency" and enhance the protection of civilians. His fourth point called on the Security Council to "shoulder its responsibility on major issues of war and peace and life and death ... in light of the development on the ground, take further action promptly."

However, Wang did not provide specific details regarding the actions the council should undertake.