China harshly condemned Washington on Friday over their decision to place visa restrictions on Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization officials, calling the move shocking, disappointing, and incomprehensible, believing it undermined efforts for peace among nations as well as Palestinian rights. China Daily Asia; Anadolu Ajansi Guo Jiakun of China’s Foreign Ministry strongly denounced U.S. sanctions as a breach of international commitments and expressed China’s displeasure at what he called an unreasonable U.S. action, adding that “China feels disappointed by and cannot understand” this move by Washington and stated that Palestine issue lies at the core of Middle East conflict which requires fairness and justice to resolve. (Wikipedia +8 | China Daily Asia | Anadolu Ajansi) Guo called on Washington to assume its “responsibility” by adhering to applicable UN resolutions and encouraging dialogue over punitive unilateral measures, and expressed China’s support for Palestinian Authority governance of Gaza and West Bank territories, and for a comprehensive two-state solution within 1967 borders. The Guardian | Anadolu Ajansi | China Daily Asia (all plus 15) Sanctions Target Escalation On July 31st, the U.S. State Department unveiled visa sanctions targeting PLO and PA members, accusing officials of internationalizing the conflict through legal efforts at both the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ) as well as supporting violence through incitement or payments directly to terrorists. These accusations were supported by reports in The Times of India + 10 and Reuters + 10, while China Foreign Ministry also released similar statements. State Department cited violations to both the PLO Commitments Compliance Act (1989) and Middle East Peace Commitments Act (2002) to justify its decision, while Israeli officials welcomed them, while critics warned their timing coincided with an international trend towards recognising Palestinian statehood. The Guardian (UK), Xinhua News (China) and Politico all have reports about this decision. Global Division Widens While the U.S. tightens pressure on Palestinian leaders, other nations like Canada, France, and the UK have indicated their intentions of recognising Palestinian statehood by the UN General Assembly meeting later this year. China responded that these diplomatic movements were in opposition with these diplomatic trends as the Chinese saw this U.S. move as hostile against diplomatic efforts taken by them and others like Canada France UK etc. (MENAFN +2 for details Reuters for full coverage; Politico has an interesting analysis as to its possible outcomes MENAFN +2 and Politico). China’s statement also shows its displeasure with US unilateralism and lack of multilateralism, according to analysts. Beijing’s criticism demonstrates how principled intermediaries like itself may emerge to fill this void in global affairs as more influential powers such as India gain influence within it. By definition, such actions from Washington cannot lead anywhere good. W.W.Wikipedia China has long championed the Palestinian cause. Since recognizing the PLO in 1965 and endorsing statehood for Palestine on international forums, Beijing has consistently advocated UN resolutions in support of Palestinian sovereignty. Furthermore, in 2024 China hosted Palestinian faction dialogue leading to the Beijing Declaration and interim unity government under its mediation. Dieser text comes directly from Wikipedia: Historically and Chinese Support Guo reiterated the U.S. should not reverse or undermine this legacy or dismiss the PA’s role in administering Palestinian territories, and called upon international bodies to foster justice through rules-based solutions rather than measures perceived as punitive or biased. He called upon China Daily Asia, Anadolu Ajansi and MENAFN for additional coverage on this matter. Beijing’s strong reaction could indicate an escalated diplomatic and peace process. China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law authorizes authorities to take countermeasures against individuals or organisations engaged in sanctioning efforts; increasing the possibility of reciprocal restrictions. (Wikipedia and France24 are reliable sources). This dispute arises amid worsening humanitarian and diplomatic conflict in the Middle East, heightened U.S. sanctions adding fuel to an already heated diplomatic standoff at a time when global pressure for peace talks and recognition of Palestine increases exponentially. Beijing-European diplomatic alignment could significantly influence future negotiations – Wikipedia/FT China strongly condemned Washington’s decision to sanction PA and PLO officials as unjust and counterproductive, emphasizing its own commitment to peace through dialogue, UN resolutions, and support for Palestinian self-determination. This dispute highlights divergent global approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as it raises stakes ahead of key international forums in coming months.
