Criticism Targeting Israel "Has Gone Too Far"... China Moving in the Opposite Direction

China criticized Israel for "crossing the line" in its retaliatory airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, citing the preemptive attack by the Palestinian armed group Hamas. While the world is outraged by Hamas's surprise attack on Israel and the mass killing of civilians, China alone is taking the opposite stance.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 16th, Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, said during a phone call with Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, on the 14th, the eighth day of the Israel-Hamas armed conflict, "China opposes and condemns all acts that harm civilians," adding, "Israel's actions have already exceeded the scope of self-defense." He continued, "Israel should seriously listen to the appeals of the international community and the UN Secretary-General and stop collective punishment of the people of Gaza," urging, "No actions that escalate the situation should be taken, and both sides should promptly return to the negotiating table."

He stated, "China is leading efforts to achieve a ceasefire through intensive communication with all parties," emphasizing, "The urgent task is to fully ensure the safety of civilians and urgently open humanitarian rescue and aid channels to protect the basic needs (livelihood) of the people of Gaza." Furthermore, he added, "China, together with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, will continue to support the just cause of Palestine in restoring its national rights and hopes to guide the Palestinian issue back to the correct track of the 'two-state solution' for a comprehensive, fair, and lasting resolution."

The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the 8th, shortly after the outbreak of war, expressing "concern over the escalation of tensions and the expansion of violence," but also stating, "Relevant countries should exercise restraint, stop fighting, and protect civilians to prevent further deterioration of the situation," which drew criticism from the international community. China has not disclosed specific details about the scale of its own damages to date.

In response, Minister Faisal said, "Saudi Arabia is deeply concerned about the current developments in the Palestine-Israel situation," condemning "all attacks on civilians and opposing Israel's forced displacement of Gaza residents." He also stated, "Without implementing the UN Security Council resolutions and establishing an independent Palestine, the Palestinian issue cannot achieve a fair and lasting solution," adding, "Saudi Arabia, together with China, aims to lead the adherence to international humanitarian law, protection of civilians, and implementation of Security Council resolutions on Palestine," according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On the 15th (local time), residents gathered in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, where buildings collapsed due to Israeli bombings. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director Wang also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the same day, targeting Israel by saying, "The exercise of the right to self-defense must comply with international law and international humanitarian law, which includes ensuring the safety of civilians and detainees," and "Responding to violence with violence only causes greater harm and a more serious crisis."

Director Wang said, "The fundamental reason why the Palestine-Israel situation has reached today's state is that the Palestinian people's right to establish a state has long been neglected, their right to survival has long been unmet, and their right to return to their homeland has long been ignored," adding, "This historical injustice must end as soon as possible."

He emphasized, "China will stand on the side of peace and justice and support the just cause of the Palestinian people in defending their national rights." Director Wang added, "The international community must take action and oppose any side that harms civilians," and "The UN, especially the Security Council, must certainly take responsibility and fulfill its role."

In response, Minister Amir-Abdollahian said, "Iran hopes to resolve the issue through political means," and "wants to strengthen communication with China on this matter," according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.