Israel-Hamas war: China shifts stance, acknowledges Israel's 'right to self-defense'
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has acknowledged Israel's right to defend itself against Palestinian terror group Hamas in a telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen, state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua reported. This is the first public instance of Beijing recognizing Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas, labeled as a terror group by the United States (US) and the European Union. However, Wang stressed that Israel must adhere to international humanitarian law and safeguard civilians.
Why does this story matter?
Amid the Israel-Hamas war, China has so far not condemned Hamas for its attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,400 deaths. Recently, US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged China to support Israel and condemn the Hamas attack during his Beijing visit earlier this month. Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an immediate ceasefire and expressed willingness to collaborate with Egypt and other Arab countries to find a comprehensive and enduring resolution to the Palestine issue.
'Every country has right to self-defense, but must protect civilians'
Referring to Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza, Wang told Cohen, "Every country has the right to self-defense but should abide by international humanitarian law and protect civilians." The reported comments indicated a change in China's stance on the issue. Earlier, Beijing allegedly showed "no sympathy or support for Israel," which triggered sharp reactions from the US, with Schumer attacking Wang for alleged apathy.
Israel openly rebuked China's earlier stance
Earlier, Israel openly criticized China's previous stand and media coverage of the conflict. Deputy Director General for Asia and the Pacific, Rafi Harpaz, allegedly expressed Israel's grave displeasure in a telephonic conversation with China's special envoy for the Middle East, the Israeli Embassy in Beijing reportedly revealed on October 13. On the other hand, China reiterated deep concern regarding the ongoing escalation of the conflict and worsening situation. It also condemned all actions that harm civilians and breach international laws.
Chinese foreign minister scheduled to visit US
China's change in position comes right before Wang's scheduled visit to the US on Thursday for high-level meetings. He is set to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Notably, US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns acknowledged the contrasting perspectives between the US and China on the Israel-Hamas war. While US President Joe Biden expressed strong backing for Israel, China had supported the Palestinian cause and refrained from condemning Hamas.
China's PLA deployed 6 warships in Middle East: Reports
Meanwhile, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has reportedly deployed six warships in the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region following the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The warships were part of the PLA's 44th naval escort taskforce, which recently participated in a joint military exercise with Oman. They included the Zibo, a Type 052D guided-missile destroyer, a Jingzhou frigate, and the Qiandaohu integrated supply vessel.
