China to offer aid to Palestinians, seeks greater role in the Middle East

The Chinese leader further said that China would like to form a strategic partnership with the Arab League to become "the keeper of peace and stability in the Middle East".

JULY 11, 2018 02:36

Updated: JULY 11, 2018 15:39

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks to representatives of Arab League member states at a China Arab forum at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, July 10, 2018. (photo credit: THOMAS PETER/REUTERS) — Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks to representatives of Arab League member states at a China Arab forum at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, July 10, 2018.

(photo credit: THOMAS PETER/REUTERS)

BEIJING - China will offer 100 million yuan ($15 million) in aid to Palestinians, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday, pledging greater Chinese financial backing for development in the Middle East.

Xi's remarks were made in a speech to representatives of Arab states at a meeting in Beijing.

The Chinese leader further said that China would like to form a strategic partnership with the Arab League to become "the keeper of peace and stability in the Middle East" US based news company Axios reported.

Xi Jinping said today that China would like to form a strategic partnership with the Arab League to become "the keeper of peace and stability in the Middle East" https://t.co/TUATEYJ1dr
— Axios World (@AxiosWorld) July 10, 2018

China had suggested in the past a four-point program to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Put fourth in 2013, it includes the establishment of a Palestinian state on the basis of 1967 lines, respect for Israel’s right to exist and security concerns, halting settlement activities and violence against civilians, and international guarantees to advance the peace process.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas praised the Chinese program when he visited China and met with Xi in 2017.