The Palestinian Authority and Hamas have been at odds for years over the formation of a Palestinian unity government. This division intensified after the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7. On Friday, the Government of China expressed its willingness to support initiatives that strengthen the position of the Palestinian Authority and facilitate dialogue with other factions, with a subtle reference to Hamas.
President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority recently reorganized his cabinet following a call from the United States to revitalize the structure that Hamas criticized as ineffective in governing the Palestinian territories. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, stated that China will support efforts to strengthen the Palestinian National Authority and promote reconciliation among Palestinian factions.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi previously stated that recognition of Palestine would correct a historical injustice and that all UN member states should fulfill their duty to recognize Palestine. He emphasized that such recognition should not be contingent on Israeli-Palestinian negotiations but rather serve as a step towards granting Palestine equal negotiating leverage for a two-state solution with Israel.
