In a significant stride towards peace and stability, 14 Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas, have achieved a historic declaration for nationwide reconciliation in Beijing, with China’s crucial support. Experts herald this development as a pivotal step for the Palestinian people towards establishing a state and achieving long-standing peace between Palestine and Israel.
At China’s invitation, high-level representatives from 14 Palestinian factions engaged in a reconciliation dialogue in Beijing from Sunday to Tuesday. This dialogue culminated in the signing of the Beijing Declaration, a milestone aimed at ending division and strengthening unity among Palestinian groups.
This event marks the first instance where 14 Palestinian factions have convened in Beijing for such a dialogue, fostering hope among the beleaguered Palestinian populace. The declaration affirms the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of all Palestinian people, as emphasized by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the closing ceremony. Wang, who also serves as a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, witnessed the signing of this landmark declaration.
Wang highlighted the importance of unified Palestinian factions, stating that only through collective action can they succeed in their national liberation cause. Ma Xiaolin, dean of the Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean Rim at Zhejiang International Studies University, described the declaration as historic, significant, and unprecedented. Unlike previous dialogues mediated by regional powers, which involved only Fatah and Hamas, China’s initiative brought together 14 factions, ensuring greater inclusiveness and legitimacy.
The declaration elevates the Palestinian reconciliation process to an international affair, attracting global attention and support. Ma noted that this international dimension provides a feasible roadmap backed by global oversight, including permanent members of the UN Security Council.
By recognizing the PLO as the sole legitimate representative, the declaration necessitates the inclusion of other factions, such as Hamas and the Islamic Jihad Movement, within the PLO framework. This unification is crucial for conducting future elections and presenting a unified front in international dealings, thereby influencing the Palestine-Israel issue positively.
Diplomatic envoys or representatives from Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia, Turkey, and other nations, along with representatives from 14 Palestinian factions, attended the closing ceremony, underscoring the declaration’s international support.
China Role in Global Peace Efforts
Wang Yi proposed a three-step initiative to address the Gaza conflict and broader Palestine issue:
- Cease-fire and Humanitarian Aid: Achieve a comprehensive, lasting, and sustainable cease-fire in Gaza as soon as possible and ensure access to humanitarian aid and rescue operations.
- Post-conflict Governance: Implement post-conflict governance in Gaza under the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine,” recognizing Gaza as an integral part of Palestine.
- UN Membership and Two-state Solution: Assist Palestine in becoming a full member state of the UN and work towards implementing the two-state solution.
Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, asserted that the Beijing Declaration offers hope for peace in Gaza. Since the conflict’s resurgence in October 2023,
resulting in significant casualties, the international community has struggled to mitigate the disaster. This reconciliation lays the groundwork for effective peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel.
Ma Xiaolin emphasized that Israel and the US must reconsider their approach to Palestine, addressing it as a unified entity rather than disparate factions. This shift is essential for any meaningful progress towards peace.
Amidst these developments, the US faces internal turmoil, with President Joe Biden stepping down from the presidential race and a failed assassination attempt on Republican nominee Donald Trump. These domestic issues cast uncertainty on US foreign strategy, especially as the US continues to promote bloc confrontations globally, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Ukraine Diplomatic Engagement with China
On the same day as the Palestinian reconciliation, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba began his visit to China. This visit is seen as another step in China’s efforts to mediate global conflicts. Observers are optimistic that Kuleba’s visit will yield progress towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis, akin to the success achieved with the Palestinian factions.
China’s track record in mediating diplomatic ties, notably between Iran and Saudi Arabia, reinforces its potential to restore peace and stability worldwide. Analysts believe that China, with its consistent stance for peace, is demonstrating tangible efforts to facilitate political settlements, contrasting with the US and its military alliances, which often introduce uncertainties and obstacles.
China’s facilitation of the Palestinian reconciliation dialogue and its active engagement in addressing the Ukraine crisis underscore its growing role as a global peace broker. The Beijing Declaration represents a significant step towards Palestinian unity and peace with Israel, while China’s ongoing diplomatic efforts continue to contribute to global stability. As nations embroiled in conflict seek peaceful solutions, China’s consistent advocacy for peace and its concrete actions highlight its commitment to fostering a more stable and harmonious world.
