China and the US Clash Over Gaza: Military Presence and Aid Delivery

As the conflict in Gaza continues, a strategic rivalry is unfolding between China and the United States, extending beyond traditional geopolitical competition to encompass the humanitarian response and future governance of the region. China has voiced strong skepticism regarding U.S. Military initiatives in Gaza, viewing them as potentially destabilizing and counterproductive to a lasting peace. This stance reflects a broader effort by Beijing to position itself as a leader of the Global South and challenge perceived Western hegemony.

China’s Criticism of U.S. Military Involvement

China has sharply criticized U.S. Military actions in and around the Palestinian territories, particularly the establishment of a floating military pier in the Gaza envelope and subsequent plans for military bases. Washington maintains these projects are for humanitarian purposes – delivering aid to the Gaza Strip – but China views them as a means to contain the influence of other powers and prolong the conflict rather than resolve it. Beijing emphasizes that land routes are the only effective and sustainable solution for delivering aid.

In February 2025, the Chinese Foreign Ministry categorically rejected any plans for the United States to control the Gaza Strip or forcibly displace Palestinians, asserting the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine” as fundamental to any post-conflict governance structure.

Skepticism Regarding Humanitarian Objectives

A core element of the Chinese perspective is skepticism regarding the stated humanitarian objectives of U.S. Military projects. China believes these initiatives serve broader geopolitical and military objectives. Chinese state media considers any foreign military intervention, including the construction of military bases, a “provocative and extremely dangerous” step.

China criticized the U.S. Floating pier project, which operated for only 20 days out of two months, as an “expensive and irresponsible experiment,” arguing that the substantial investment would have been better directed towards improving land crossings. According to a statement by China’s ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, the pier’s limited functionality underscored the viability of land routes for sustainable aid delivery.

Concerns Over the International Peace Council

Chinese intelligence agencies have expressed concerns regarding the role of the U.S.-brokered International Peace Council. Intelligence reports indicate a clause within the council’s founding agreement prioritizes the elimination of Hamas’s underground tunnel network, specifically stipulating geophysical surveys to identify “voids, tunnels, or large underground cavities.” This has led to suspicions that the council’s primary objective is to facilitate a decisive military victory over Hamas rather than promote a comprehensive peace settlement.

Broader Strategic Implications

China views the potential establishment of U.S. Military bases in Gaza as part of a larger strategy to counter China’s growing influence in the Middle East and enhance U.S. Maritime dominance in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Beijing believes that a continued U.S. Military presence aims to strengthen control over vital shipping lanes amidst ongoing regional tensions.

From a military-technical perspective, China is observing the success or failure of U.S. Logistical projects, such as the floating pier, to draw lessons applicable to potential conflicts closer to its sphere of influence, such as Taiwan. This analysis aims to assess the U.S. Military’s ability to operate in distant and hostile environments.

China’s Vision for a Resolution

While adhering to a political solution, Beijing consistently advocates for the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. China believes that American militarization hinders the prospects for a two-state solution and exacerbates international polarization. China uses its pro-Palestinian stance to bolster its leadership among developing nations that sympathize with the Palestinian cause and oppose “Western hegemony.”

Recent Developments and Aid Pledges

As of February 2026, China continues to monitor U.S. Logistical and military capabilities in Gaza and the region. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump hosted dozens of nations that have joined his Board of Peace, with nine nations pledging $7 billion for Gaza relief. A U.S. Proposal for a UN-mandated international stabilization force in Gaza faces opposition from Russia, China, and some Arab countries.

The diverging perspectives of China and the United States highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Gaza conflict, with implications for regional stability and the pursuit of a lasting peace.