Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Tells Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Reverse West Bank Settlements
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Israeli President Isaac Herzog that Israel should stop and reverse the forced establishment of West Bank settlements during a meeting in Azerbaijan. Wang stated that China consistently views the Palestinian question as the greatest historical injustice of this century, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement released on Friday.
The bilateral discussion took place on Thursday while Wang attended the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, as the special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Following the meeting, Herzog posted on X that their talks focused on “relations between our countries and the situation in the Middle East.”
Disagreements Over West Bank Policy and Gaza Humanitarian Access
While the Chinese Foreign Ministry detailed Wang’s demands regarding West Bank settlements and the Palestinian question, the Israeli government remained silent on those specific topics. Herzog’s office declined to comment when asked about the discussions concerning the West Bank or the Palestinians.
China Says Israel Should Stop Its 'Forced Establishment' of West Bank Settlements https://t.co/yKhKsbOWz8
During the talks, Wang emphasized that promoting peace and reconciliation serves as the cornerstone of China’s Middle East policy. He reiterated that Beijing considers the “two-state solution” to be the right path to a resolution. Wang also stressed that the immediate priority must be fully opening access to the Gaza Strip to prevent a humanitarian “catastrophe” from spreading.
Beijing’s Broader Diplomatic Engagement in the Middle East
The high-level meeting in Baku aligns with China’s broader diplomatic push across the Middle East. In September, President Xi Jinping visited Cairo for the first time in a decade and called on Middle East countries to oppose external influence and consider reshaping the region’s security order.
China maintains complex diplomatic and economic relationships across the region, balancing close ties with Iran alongside its relationships with other nations. Beijing signed a 25-year “comprehensive strategic partnership agreement” with Tehran in 2021, while simultaneously cultivating closer ties with Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, and remains a top trade partner of both the US and Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific event brought Wang Yi and Isaac Herzog together in Azerbaijan?
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, held in Baku, where Wang attended as the special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
How did Israeli officials respond to China’s public stance on West Bank settlements?
While Israeli President Isaac Herzog acknowledged on X that the meeting focused on “relations between our countries and the situation in the Middle East,” his office declined to comment when asked about the discussions regarding the West Bank or the Palestinians.
What immediate priority did Beijing outline for the Gaza Strip?
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the immediate priority is to fully open access to the Gaza Strip so a humanitarian “catastrophe” is not allowed to spread.
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