China is calling for a peaceful solution in the Middle East and is standing by Arabia. But how strong is Beijing’s influence really?

Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed an international peace summit to end the war in the Gaza Strip, reports CNN. At a meeting with leading diplomats from China and Arab states, which was also attended by several regional rulers, Xi criticized the “tremendous suffering” of the people in the Middle East and once again stressed the need for an independent Palestinian state.

As CNN reports, China has sought to deepen its relations in the Middle East in recent years and has positioned itself on the side of the Arab states in the current conflict. Beijing’s stance, which supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, contrasts with the US’s long-standing support for Israel.

Visitors to Beijing included Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and Tunisian President Kais Saied.

Chinese and Arab representatives adopted a joint statement condemning “Israel’s aggression against the Palestinian people.”

Xi announced that China will provide $70 million to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support post-conflict reconstruction.

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