China (Washington Insider Magazine)— Efforts by the United States and China to facilitate peace in the Middle East have been complicated by differing approaches to Hamas, the Palestinian group at the center of the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Diplomatic Deadlock
Both nations have voiced support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, their stance on Hamas diverges sharply. The US designates Hamas as a terrorist organization and opposes its role in governing a future Palestinian state. Meanwhile, China engages diplomatically with Hamas and has refrained from applying such labels.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized isolating Hamas, calling for its removal from global diplomatic platforms. “No leader should meet them. No country should harbor them,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed during a joint press conference with Blinken.
Despite these calls, Hamas leaders have maintained international connections. Recent meetings in Beijing and Istanbul with Chinese and Turkish officials underscore the group’s persistent influence.
China’s Position
China has taken a more neutral stance, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. A recent Chinese-backed resolution at the United Nations called for full membership for “the State of Palestine,” a move vetoed by the US. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson described the absence of a Palestinian state as the root cause of the conflict.
China’s growing involvement in Middle Eastern affairs contrasts with its limited regional influence compared to the United States. Experts suggest Beijing seeks stability in the region to protect its economic interests but lacks the robust security and diplomatic ties the US provides to its allies.
US Approach
Washington remains committed to ensuring that Hamas does not govern Gaza or any future Palestinian state. “We are committed, as Israel is, to ensuring Gaza cannot be controlled by Hamas,” Blinken reiterated. US officials have also called on China to leverage its regional influence constructively, emphasizing mutual interests in a stable Middle East.
Challenges Ahead
While external powers play a role, lasting peace depends primarily on the actions of regional stakeholders, including Israel, Palestinians, and neighboring countries. Hamas has hinted at the possibility of abandoning armed resistance if a Palestinian state is established based on pre-1967 borders. However, Netanyahu has firmly opposed such proposals, particularly those involving Hamas.
As the US and China navigate their strategies, the broader question remains: Can global powers bridge their differences to help achieve sustainable peace in the region?
