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The West’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is callous and irresponsible

The following article from Global Times discusses the recent escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the hypocritical behaviour of the Western powers.

The article observes that the Israeli state has ordered a “complete siege” on Gaza – a densely-populated area which has already been under effective siege for the last 16 years, and which has often been described as the world’s largest open-air prison. In addition to the loss of several thousand Palestinian lives in the last decade (mostly the result of missile strikes), Israel’s ongoing abuse of Palestinian human rights has led to the devastation of the economy and the near-collapse of basic services. Now in response to the surprise attack led by Hamas, Israel is engaged in a further act of collective punishment, cutting off electricity and water supplies, while mobilising its military for a possible full-scale ground invasion of Gaza.

The author asserts that “the urgent task facing the international community, especially the major powers, is to quickly put the brakes on this tragedy and prevent a larger-scale humanitarian catastrophe.” Unfortunately the imperialist powers are showing no interest in preventing a catastrophe or in addressing the fundamental cause of the crisis – the ongoing national oppression of the Palestinian people.

The article points out that “the most rational and responsible approach is to call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and calm and to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible.” But the US and its allies are instead increasing their military aid to Israel, cracking down on pro-Palestine opinion at home, and waging fierce propaganda against the Palestinian resistance movement. “The words and actions of the US and many Western countries are fanning the flames rather than cooling down the situation.”

Xi Jinping commented in December 2022 that “the legitimate rights of a nation are not up for trade. I would like to reiterate that China firmly supports the establishment of an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty based on 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital.” It is perfectly clear that there will be no lasting peace in the region until the Palestinian people gain their freedom and self-determination, in accordance with international law.

The casualty data of this round of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is being updated every day, causing concern and distress for the civilians living in the area. According to Israeli media reports on October 9, the conflict has resulted in more than 1,300 deaths and over 5,000 injuries on both sides. Both Israel and Palestine have suffered a large number of civilian casualties. Additionally, humanitarian relief organizations of the United Nations have stated that over 120,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been displaced. The conflict is still escalating, and there is a significant degree of uncertainty about how much it will escalate and in which direction it will develop in the future. However, one thing is certain: The damage and suffering caused by the conflict will largely be borne by the local civilians, and they are in great need of care and protection from the outside world.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered a “complete siege” on Gaza, where over 2 million Palestinian residents live densely packed. They already endure severe material blockades and restrictions on movement year-round, and the outbreak of the conflict has added to their dangers and hardships. Electricity and water supplies have been cut off, and a new humanitarian disaster is brewing. This is a focal point that the international community cannot afford to ignore in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The urgent task facing the international community, especially the major powers, is how to quickly put the brakes on this tragedy and prevent a larger-scale humanitarian catastrophe. It is the responsibility of the international community to address this issue promptly.

Bashar al-Assad: China has gone from being the world’s factory to being the world’s innovation powerhouse

In this edition of the CGTN series Leaders Talk, Zou Yun interviews Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was visiting China for the first time in 19 years. His 21-26 September visit began in Hangzhou, where he and his wife Mrs. Asma al-Assad were among the international leaders to attend the opening of the 19th Asian Games. Talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping saw the two countries establish a strategic partnership and their agenda focused in particular on the Syrian people’s efforts to rebuild their country after years of war and its full return to the regional and international stage.

In the interview, President Assad was clearly touched by the warm and spontaneous welcome given by Chinese spectators to the Syrian athletes as they entered the stadium as well as by the subsequent comments by Chinese netizens on social media. Comparing the China of today with the one he saw on his previous visit in 2004, he said it had gone from being the world’s factory to being the world’s innovation powerhouse. But what was even more important than the changes was that the patriotic qualities of the Chinese people had not changed.

Reflecting on his talks with President Xi, the Syrian leader noted that China rejects hegemony and always stands with Syria politically. He felt that there was much that could be learned from the Chinese experience of modernisation as China’s own situation was once similar to that of many other third world countries. Syria and other countries, he continued, had once tried to learn from the western experience, but these attempts had proved to be unsuccessful and even counterproductive.

Turning to the current situation in Syria, Assad noted that the war is not over. The physical destruction could be addressed, as Syria had done many times in its long history, but the destruction of national culture and civilisation by western neoliberalism led by the United States, along with the related issue of extremism, was more dangerous. If Syria is rebuilt, he continued, his country will have a bright future. It had previously enjoyed high growth and low debt, was an exporter of wheat and other foodstuffs and had been developing various industries.

He praised the recent reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which was facilitated by China, as a huge achievement and a wonderful surprise. Syria had suffered for years from the estrangement between these two neighbouring countries. According to the Syrian President, the world is now in a period of transition from the centuries of colonialism, which had begun with the “discovery” of the Americas, and which has been characterised by slaughter and exploitation. It is this transition that underlines the significance of the various international initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping.

The full interview with President Bashar al-Assad is embedded below.

China and Syria announce establishment of a strategic partnership

President Bashar al-Assad of the Syrian Arab Republic, accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Asma al-Assad and a large government delegation, visited China from September 21-26, beginning with attending the opening of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.

This was President Assad’s second visit to China, the first being in 2004. Syria was one of the first Arab countries to establish diplomatic relations with China, on August 1, 1956, preceded by Egypt on May 30, 1956.

Meeting his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on September 22, the two leaders jointly announced the establishment of a China-Syria strategic partnership. Xi Jinping said that over the 67 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the China-Syria relationship has stood the test of changes in the international situation, and their friendship has grown stronger over time, and went on to note that the establishment of the strategic partnership will be an important milestone in the history of bilateral ties.

Xi emphasised that China will continue to work with Syria to firmly support each other on issues concerning the two sides’ respective core interests and major concerns, safeguard the common interests of both countries and other developing countries, and uphold international fairness and justice.

China supports Syria in opposing foreign interference, rejecting unilateralism and bullying, and safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.

Assad said that in international affairs, China has always aligned itself with international fairness and justice, and upheld international law and humanitarianism, playing an important and constructive role.

The Syrian side thanks the Chinese government for its invaluable support to the Syrian people, firmly opposes any act of interference in China’s internal affairs and is willing to be China’s long-term and staunch friend and partner.

In the joint statement announcing their establishment of a strategic partnership, Syria affirmed its adherence to the one-China principle and expressed support for China’s positions with regard to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang affairs.

In turn: “China firmly supports Syria in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, supports the Syrian people in following a development path suited to its national conditions, supports the policies and measures adopted by the Syrian government aimed at safeguarding national security, stability and development, opposes interference by external forces in Syria’s internal affairs and undermining of Syria’s security and stability, opposes the illegal military presence in Syria, the launching of illegal military operations and the illegal plundering of Syria’s natural resources, and urges relevant countries to immediately lift all illegal unilateral sanctions against Syria.”

The two sides expressed willingness to deepen exchanges and cooperation between political parties, parliaments and local governments of the two countries and to strengthen the exchange of experience in governance. They will also strengthen friendly cooperation in various fields, such as economy and trade, agriculture, culture, youth work and journalism. China will continue to provide assistance to Syria within its capacity to support it in its reconstruction and restoration. The Syrian side thanks China for its political support and selfless help, as well as for speaking out for Syria at the UN Security Council. The two countries agreed to continue to strengthen counterterrorism and security cooperation and to work together to combat terrorism.

China supports and welcomes Syria’s return to the League of Arab States, supports Syria in improving its relations with other Arab countries, and supports Arab countries in the region, including Syria, in unity and self-strengthening.

China and Syria will strengthen coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs, jointly adhere to true multilateralism, defend the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, resolutely oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics, including the imposition of illegal unilateral sanctions and restrictive measures against other countries, and promote the building of a new type of international relations, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

From Hangzhou, President Assad and his party continued to Beijing, where they met with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

Premier Li said that China and Syria have shared a time-honoured friendship and are true friends who stand together through thick and thin.

He added that China will continue to firmly support Syria in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, in following a development path suited to its national conditions, and firmly opposes external interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

China welcomes Syria’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, will continue to support Syria’s reconstruction, recovery, and development, and is willing to expand bilateral economic and trade exchanges with Syria, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.

The Chinese Premier told President Assad: “Friendship is a tree whose roots are loyalty and whose branches are kindness. You, Your Excellency, are an old and dear friend of the people of China.”

President Assad thanked the Chinese government for providing support to Syria in its war against terrorism and in dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake that hit the country last February.

He pointed out that friendship and trust between Syria and China are based on a similar history and fixed principles, and these principles are the same ones from which we can move towards the future.

Meeting Zhao Leji, President Assad said that the transition from the old world, which depends on force, to the new world, which is based on morals, must start from the role of China, which follows an ethical policy and development and presents initiatives to the whole world.

He said that China stood by Syria politically, based on the Chinese policy that rejects interference in the internal affairs of countries, respects the policies of countries, and rejects terrorism and added that China also supported Syria on the economic and humanitarian fronts, helping the Syrian people to mitigate the effects of the siege.

For his part, Zhao Leji said that: “Syria and China are working together and will continue to exchange support regarding the core interests of both sides in order to strengthen friendship between the two countries and enhance understanding between the two peoples.”

He added that: “China will continue to be on the right side of history to promote development for all humanity.”

The following reports were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency, the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). The text of the joint statement was machine translated from Chinese and lightly edited by us.

Xi, Assad jointly announce China-Syria strategic partnership

HANGZHOU, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Friday jointly announced the establishment of a China-Syria strategic partnership.

The two presidents met in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, ahead of the opening of the 19th Asian Games scheduled for Saturday.

Syria was one of the first Arab countries that established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, and was one of the countries that co-sponsored the resolution to restore the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations, Xi said.

Over the 67 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the China-Syria relationship has stood the test of changes in the international situation, and their friendship has grown stronger over time, he said.

Xi noted that the establishment of the strategic partnership will be an important milestone in the history of bilateral ties.

China is willing to work with Syria to enrich their relationship and continuously advance the China-Syria strategic partnership, Xi said.

Xi emphasized that China will continue to work with Syria to firmly support each other on issues concerning the two sides’ respective core interests and major concerns, safeguard the common interests of both countries and other developing countries, and uphold international fairness and justice.

China supports Syria in opposing foreign interference, rejecting unilateralism and bullying, and safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.

China supports Syria in conducting reconstruction, enhancing counter-terrorism capacity building, and promoting a political settlement of the Syrian issue following the “Syrian-led, Syrian-owned” principle, Xi said.

China also supports Syria in improving its relations with other Arab countries and playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, he added.

China is willing to strengthen Belt and Road cooperation with Syria, increase the import of high-quality agricultural products from Syria, and jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative to make active contributions to regional and global peace and development.

Syria highly appreciates and firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and will actively participate in them, Assad added.

The Syrian side thanks the Chinese government for its invaluable support to the Syrian people, firmly opposes any act of interference in China’s internal affairs, and is willing to be China’s long-term and staunch friend and partner, he said.

Assad said Syria will take the establishment of the Syria-China strategic partnership as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral friendly cooperation and step up their communication and coordination in international and regional affairs.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents in areas including Belt and Road cooperation, and economic and technological cooperation.

The two sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of the strategic partnership.

Senior Chinese leaders including Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi and Shen Yiqin attended the activities.

China is a friend and strategic ally of Syria

Chinese embassies around the world organised celebrations for the 96th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which fell on August 1st.

At a reception held in the Syrian capital Damascus on July 25, China’s Defence Attaché said in his speech that the friendship between the two countries has a deep-rooted history, noting that despite the changes in the international and regional situation, they have always supported each other.

Describing Syria as a “loyal friend” of China, he noted that the practical cooperation between the Chinese and Syrian armies has witnessed continuous development in recent years and exchanges in the security and military field have yielded fruitful results.

He confirmed that his country will continue its strong support for the Syrian army’s struggle to preserve national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and for its efforts in combating terrorism and restoring national security and stability.

Responding, Syria’s Defence Minister, Major General Ali Mahmoud Abbas praised China’s stance, army, people, and leadership for its standing by Syria and its just causes during the unjust and aggressive war that was waged against it.

Director of the Diplomatic Institute at the Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Ministry, Dr. Imad Mustafa told reporters that China is a friend and strategic ally of Syria and it serves as the guarantor of a new multipolar world, which puts an end to US hegemony in the international arena.

The following report was originally published by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

Damascus, SANA- The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China held Tuesday a reception ceremony on the 96th anniversary of founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

The Defense Attaché at Chinese Embassy in Damascus said in a speech that the friendship between Syria and his country has deep-rooted history, noting that despite the changes in the international and regional situation, the two countries have always supported each other.

The Defense Attaché described Syria as a “loyal friend” of China, and that the relationship between the two countries is a model for friendly relations between countries with different locations, cultures and systems.

He noted that the practical cooperation between the Chinese and Syrian armies has witnessed continuous development in recent years, and exchanges in the security and military field have yielded fruitful results.

He confirmed that his country will continue its strong support for the Syrian army’s struggle to preserve national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and for its efforts in combating terrorism and restoring national security and stability.

He expressed his country’s desire to push forward the practical cooperation between the two armies in various fields.

In turn, Defense Minister, Major Gen. Ali Mahmoud Abbas praised China’s stance, army, people, and leadership for its standing by Syrian and it’s just causes during the unjust and aggressive war that was waged against it.

Minister Abbas stressed that Syria seeks to constantly boost the relationship between the two countries, which extends back decades, in a way that serves the common interest to achieve prosperity for the two peoples and achieve a better future.

The Minister of Defense congratulated China and its people on the anniversary of the establishment of its army, which coincides on 1 August with the 78th anniversary of the founding of the Syrian Arab Army.

He pointed out to the commitment of the two armies since their establishment to a good relationship that reflects the deep-rooted relation binding both countries.

Director of the Diplomatic Institute at the Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Ministry, Dr. Imad Mustafa told the reporters that China is a friend and strategic ally of Syria, and it serves as the guarantor of a new multipolar world in which it puts an end to American hegemony in the international arena.

Xi Jinping meets with national leaders of Malawi, Republic of Congo, Namibia, Tanzania and Iran

On the final day, August 24, of his recent visit to South Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a further round of bilateral meetings with other national leaders on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

Meeting Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, Xi said that China supports Malawi in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to continuously offer whatever help China can to the country in its socio-economic development.

For his part, Chakwera noted that China is always the first to lend a helping hand to Malawi when the latter faces difficulties, adding that during his recent visit to China, he was not only warmly received, but also truly felt that China is Malawi’s true friend, brother and partner.

China will, as always, firmly support the Republic of the Congo in safeguarding its national independence and opposing foreign interference, the Chinese President said, whilst meeting his Congolese counterpart, Denis Sassou Nguesso.

Calling Sassou Nguesso an old friend and good friend of the Chinese people, Xi pointed out that the sound development of bilateral relations is inseparable from the fact that Sassou Nguesso attaches great importance to and sticks to friendship with China.

Noting that next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Xi said China is ready to make joint plans and hold grand celebrations with the Congolese side.

Sassou Nguesso said Xi’s successful state visit to the Republic of the Congo in 2013 remains fresh in his memory, adding that Chinese enterprises have undertaken many national construction projects in his country, and friendship and cooperation with China are important factors for the country’s continuous development.

China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Namibia in various fields, including in clean energy, and will encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in the country, Xi Jinping said, when meeting with his Namibian counterpart, Hage Geingob.

Xi said President Geingob is an old friend of the Chinese people, who has deep affection for China. The Chinese side greatly appreciates the president’s firm support for China’s position on issues of core interests, and his delivering justice and speaking out for righteousness in international affairs.

Xi pointed out that China and Africa share similar historical experiences and hard struggle, adding that China insists on equality and mutual respect between big and small countries.

The Communist Party of China has led the Chinese people to successfully build socialism with Chinese characteristics, while at the same time making efforts to push forward the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

Through proposing a series of initiatives such as the Belt and Road cooperation, Xi added, China offers opportunities to developing countries to realise joint development and prosperity, and fights for more equal rights for developing nations.

For his part, Geingob said Namibia and China enjoy long-term friendship. China is an all-weather friend, and even more so a friend who you can count on when in difficulty. The Namibian side is deeply grateful to China’s firm support in the various causes of fighting for national independence and emancipation as well as national development.

He said as a leader of a global major country, President Xi has led the Chinese people to achieve remarkable accomplishments, and treats African leaders with equality and humility, which is very touching.

The Namibian side has been greatly inspired by the thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics, and is exploring a modernization path with Namibian characteristics, Geingob noted.

Geingob is President both of the Republic of Namibia and of the South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO) of Namibia. At its 2017 Congress, SWAPO formally adopted socialism with Namibian characteristics as its official ideology.

Meeting Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Xi said that stronger China-Africa cooperation under the current international situation is conducive to the unity among developing countries, as well as to safeguarding their legitimate development interests.

He pointed out that Hassan’s successful visit to China in November last year was a highlight moment in China-Tanzania relations. China-Tanzania cooperation has always been at the forefront of China-Africa cooperation, and the Tanzania-Zambia Railway is a beautiful memory shared by the people of China and Tanzania.

Noting that next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-Tanzania diplomatic ties, Xi said China is willing to take the opportunity of jointly celebrating this anniversary to continuously work with Tanzania in firmly supporting each other’s core interests and major concerns while deepening strategic cooperation.

Noting that Tanzania and China have maintained close exchanges at all levels and that cooperation projects have progressed smoothly, President Hassan said Tanzania highly appreciates China’s valuable support for and assistance to the development of developing countries. Tanzania and other developing countries have all benefited a lot from the Belt and Road cooperation and other major initiatives proposed by Xi, she said.

Meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Xi said that China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Iran on BRICS and other multilateral platforms, so as to push for healthy and robust development of multilateralism.

Xi congratulated Iran on becoming a member of BRICS, stressing that it is a historic event that the BRICS summit, with joint efforts of all parties, has made the decision to expand. All the new members are countries with important influence, Xi said, expressing confidence that they will have a major impact on the world.

The BRICS Summit agreed to invite Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to join the cooperation mechanism from January 2024, in what the host, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described as, “the first phase of the expansion process.” More than 40 countries have expressed an interest to join, with more than 20 having already submitted formal applications.

Xi said that since Raisi’s successful visit to China in February this year, the two countries have wasted no time to implement the consensus reached between the two leaders, which has achieved positive results. He added that he is glad that with the joint efforts of China, Iran and Saudi Arabia, Iran and Saudi Arabia have achieved reconciliation, which has promoted security and stability in the Middle East.

For his part, Raisi said Iran highly appreciates and thanks China for supporting Iran in becoming a full member of BRICS, which will provide fresh momentum for the development of Iran-China relations.

The Iranian President expressed gratitude for Xi’s important role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, adding that the expansion of BRICS shows that unilateralism is going downhill.

The following articles were published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi says China supports Malawi in exploring development path suited to its national conditions

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) — China supports Malawi in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to continuously offer whatever help China can to the country in its socio-economic development, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with his Malawian counterpart, Lazarus Chakwera, on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

Xi said he appreciates Chakwera for upholding the one-China principle since taking office.

It is hoped that China and Malawi can continuously support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, push for new results in practical cooperation between the two countries, and promote ever-new development of bilateral relations, he said.

China is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Malawi and other developing countries, and advance the development of the international order in a more equal and just direction, he said.

Malawi firmly adheres to the one-China policy, he said, adding that the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by Xi is conducive to the common development of developing countries.

Chakwera added that Malawi is willing to continuously deepen friendship and cooperation with China.

PFLP leader: we highly appreciate China’s constant support for the just cause of the Palestinian people

The fourth China-Arab States Political Parties Dialogue was jointly organised by the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) together with the Central Party School and the party committee of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on July 13 in Yinchuan, the capital city of Ningxia Hui. It was attended by the leaders of 67 political parties and organisations from 19 Arab countries.

Mahmoud Abbas, Chairman of the Fatah party and President of Palestine, sent a written speech to the gathering, in which he said that the Palestinian side thanked the Chinese side for its long-term commitment to resolving the Palestinian issue in a peaceful and just manner, and highly appreciated President Xi Jinping’s three proposals for this purpose. The Palestinian side firmly supports the one-China principle, resolutely opposes external forces’ interference in China’s internal affairs, and opposes the politicization of human rights issues. Fatah, he said, is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the CPC so as to strengthen communication and cooperation, and to promote the further development of Palestine-China relations as well as Arab States-China relations.

A significant intervention was made in the dialogue by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). In his speech, its Deputy Secretary-General, Jamil Mazhar affirmed the Popular Front’s support for China and its sovereignty and territorial integrity, including with regard to Taiwan, and called for the adoption of joint policies and decisions that would limit the US domination of oil prices, and open huge projects in the fields of energy, as well as the establishment of a global cooperation network for dialogue between Arab and Chinese civilizations.

Mazhar called for China to strengthen its role in pressing for the implementation of resolutions to establish fair international legitimacy for the Palestinian people, in addition to presenting proposals to strengthen the special relationship between the Popular Front and the Communist Party of China.

He conveyed greetings to the CPC from the Palestinian people and from the leadership of the PFLP, in particular from its Secretary-General Ahmed Sa’adat. Comrade Sa’adat has spent much of his life in prison and is presently serving a 30-year sentence handed down by an Israeli military court in 2008. He was placed in solitary confinement in 2010, which was only lifted when he and other PFLP prisoners ended a 21-day hunger strike on 17 October 2011.

Comrade Mazhar further stressed that China is a springboard for important global transformations that put an end to US imperialist hegemony and its savage policies in the world, expressing the Front’s pride in the historical China-Palestine relations, which reflect the depth and strength of relations that unite the two peoples, and which have witnessed a great acceleration in recent years in all fields, highly appreciating China’s constant support for the just causes of the Palestinian people in their struggle to restore their legitimate national rights.

He expressed great confidence that China and its leadership will continue to support the struggle of the Palestinian people for statehood, stressing the Front’s keenness to develop relations with the CPC in all fields.

The previous month, on June 7, the China Daily carried an article by another Palestinian resistance leader. Ahmad Majdalani, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front and Executive Committee member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), wrote that, “Palestinians have a strategic interest in the growing role and power of China as a friendly state,” adding:

“We Palestinians welcome the Global Civilization Initiative, as it is based on mutual respect, mutual benefit, equality and development of all countries. Fair and just resolution of global and regional issues has been hindered under the United States-led world order. The Global Civilization Initiative, on the other hand, is a visionary initiative that aligns with Palestinian aspirations and could help the Palestinian president to convene an international peace conference.

“The initiative creates an ideal opportunity in the year that marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Palestine and China to work toward achieving tangible results, in order to realize better benefits for the peoples of both countries and expand cooperation in various fields. Sino-Palestinian constructive cooperation has been progressing well, giving us enough reasons to be optimistic about the possibility of further deepening pragmatic cooperation.”

The leader of the Popular Struggle Front added:

“We expect China to continue supporting the just Palestinian cause, and hope that China will spare no efforts in helping seek serious negotiations in an attempt to resolve the Palestinian issue. And as Palestinians, we must seize this historic moment to strengthen relations with China as a strategic partner and true friend. Palestine also needs to increase practical engagement in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative while playing an important role in shaping humanity’s shared destiny.

“China has begun its journey to build a modern socialist country, which would achieve the goals of developing Arab-Chinese projects and launching strategic partnerships between China and Arab countries, representing a successful model of solidarity, cooperation and mutual benefit.”

The following articles originally appeared on the websites of the IDCPC, the PFLP and China Daily. The article from the PFLP was machine translated from Arabic and lightly edited by us.

Fourth China-Arab States Political Parties Dialogue Held

On July 13th, the fourth China-Arab States Political Parties Dialogue, which was co-organized by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), the Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), the CPC Committee of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, was held in Yinchuan. The dialogue was themed on “China-Arab States civilization exchanges: from the ancient Silk Road to the community with a shared destiny in the new era”. Liu Jianchao, Minister of the IDCPC, Xie Chuntao, Vice President of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance) responsible for routine work, and Liang Yanshun, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region were present. Mahmoud Abbas, Chairman of Fatah and President of Palestine sent a written speech to the dialogue. The event’s attendees included political leaders of 67 political parties and organizations from 19 Arab countries and leaders, such as Fatima Habib, leader of the Equity Party and Vice President of the National Assembly of Mauritania, Hassan Benomar, Member of the Political Bureau of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Morocco, Saleban Daher Bile, National Secretary of the People’s Rally for Progress(RPP), Secretary-General of the National Assembly of Djibouti, and representatives of think tanks and media.

CGTN interview with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

In this latest instalment of the CGTN series, Leaders Talk, Wang Guan interviews Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during his recent state visit to China.

Abbas says that that the upgrading of relations between China and Palestine to that of a strategic partnership this time is of great significance. It is a good fortune to the Palestinian people that China always firmly stands on their side and provides assistance to them. Agreements reached during this visit include major projects in economy, agriculture, sister city programs, and so on.

The Palestinian leader regards China’s brokering of reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and the resulting steps to resolve other disputes, both long-standing and more recent, in the region, as a miracle, adding that all Arabs are pleased with China’s efforts.

In response to his interviewer’s observation that the Palestinian issue is at the heart of Middle Eastern politics, but no progress has been made in its resolution due to the unbalanced US position, Abbas notes that Israel has discussed a ‘two-state solution’ but not enacted it. The US, he explains, acts as a roadblock, with little interest in solving the Palestinian issue. However, the United States also once refused to recognise Nelson Mandela and supported the racist policy of apartheid in South Africa, but they eventually capitulated and changed their stance.

Asked for his impressions of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Abbas described him as a dear friend, both to himself and to the Palestinian people – a man who keeps his promises and never resorts to empty talk. Palestine, he continued, stands with China on the Taiwan issue. “If any country opposes China, we will resolutely oppose them and firmly stand with China.”

At the age of 13, Abbas, together with his family, had to leave their home and become refugees in Syria at the time of the Palestinian Nakba in 1948. Abbas reflects: “Our land was seized by others and Palestinians were forced into displacement. Today we are still fighting to return to our homeland and establish an independent Palestinian state.” The Palestinian President, who has visited China a total of 13 times, five of them as state visits, says that one significant similarity between the Palestinian and Chinese peoples is their determination to tirelessly strive for their goals once they have resolved to do so.

The full interview with President Abbas is embedded below.

Lowkey contrasts US and Chinese policies on the Middle East

At an important webinar organized by the International Manifesto Group on The End of US Hegemonism in West Asia, British-Iraqi researcher, academic and musician Lowkey provided an extremely interesting comparison of US and Chinese policy in relation to the West Asian region.

Noting that the US war in Afghanistan has turned a quarter of Afghans into refugees and left over 70 percent of the remaining population in poverty, Lowkey pointed out that China is providing humanitarian assistance and major investment, including a proposed 10 billion dollar deal for access to lithium deposits.

The US-led war on Iraq has resulted in over a million deaths, and created cancer rates in Fallujah worse than those recorded in the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima. The US alliance dropped an average of 46 bombs a day for 20 years, displacing around 37 million people. Meanwhile China has signed a contract to build 8,000 schools in Iraq, and the Iraqi government is finding that China offers much fairer terms in relation to oil purchases.

Western sanctions on Iran have had a terrible impact on living standards, on employment levels, on the ability of the country’s health system to import medicines, and more. China, in contrast, has agreed to invest 400 billion dollars in Iran over 25 years. Furthermore, China’s diplomatic activity is helping Iran to undo some of the work the US has been doing for decades to isolate it. The rapprochement with Saudi Arabia, facilitated by China, brings about the possibility of peace in Yemen – the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time.

The Iran-Saudi rapprochement is an important boon for the Palestinian people, as is China’s increasing involvement in trying to bring about a lasting and fair solution to the Palestine question. Lowkey assessed that “China’s policies are directly having an effect on the ability of Palestinians to defend themselves from Israeli violence.”

The video of the speech is embedded below.

China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people

President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine paid his fifth state visit to the People’s Republic of China, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, between June 13-16, 2023, becoming the first Arab head of state to visit China this year.

China is one of the earliest and most consistent supporters of the Palestinian people’s just struggle for their national rights and an independent state. This year sees the 35th anniversary of the formal establishment of relations between China and Palestine at state level. However, the mission of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to China was accorded diplomatic status right from when it was first established in Beijing in 1965.

Meeting President Abbas on June 14, President Xi Jinping said China and Palestine are good friends and good partners who trust and support each other. China has all along firmly supported the Palestinian people’s just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights and worked for a comprehensive, just and durable solution of the Palestinian question at an early date.

China supports Palestine in becoming a full member state of the United Nations, will continue to speak up for Palestine and champion justice on multilateral occasions, and will provide assistance as best as it can to help ease humanitarian difficulties and promote reconstruction in Palestine, Xi added.

The Chinese president put forward a three-point proposal for the settlement of the Palestinian question, stressing that the Palestinian question has remained unresolved for over half a century, causing great sufferings to the Palestinian people; justice must be done to Palestine as soon as possible.

First, the fundamental solution lies in the establishment of an independent state of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, he said.

Second, Palestine’s economic and livelihood needs should be met, and the international community needs to step up development assistance and humanitarian aid to Palestine.

Third, it is important to keep to the right direction of peace talks. The historical status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem should be respected. A large-scale, more authoritative, and more influential international peace conference should be convened, so as to create conditions for the resumption of peace talks and contribute tangible efforts to help Palestine and Israel live in peace.

Xi added that: “China stands ready to play a positive role to assist Palestine in achieving internal reconciliation.”

On behalf of the Palestinian people, Abbas thanked China for its long-term strong support and selfless assistance for the Palestinian people’s just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights, calling China a trustworthy friend and partner.

Abbas added that Palestine supports China’s position on issues concerning its core interests and follows the one-China principle, adding that Palestine will work with China to promote the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Following these talks, a joint statement was released, announcing the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Palestine. According to the statement, the two heads of state, spoke highly of the traditional friendship between China and Palestine, and agreed that they have always trusted and supported each other, and are truly good friends, good partners, and good brothers.

The two sides will continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. Palestine firmly adheres to the one-China principle, supports China in safeguarding national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and resolutely opposes interference by any forces in China’s internal affairs.

China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, stands together with the Palestinian people and makes unremitting efforts to promote an early, comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement of the question of Palestine. China firmly supports the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital; supports the preservation of the historical status quo of the religious holy sites in Jerusalem; supports Palestine becoming a full member of the United Nations; supports the strengthening of Palestinian internal unity; and the resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel.

The two sides support the promotion of the common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom for all humanity, respect the independent choice of democratic development path and social and political system suited to their national conditions, resolutely oppose the politicization and instrumentalization of human rights issues, and resolutely oppose any country’s interference in the internal affairs of other countries under the pretext of democracy and human rights.

President Abbas also met with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC).

Meanwhile Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, who was accompanying his president. Qin Gang noted that the fact that Abbas is the first Arab leader to visit China this year speaks volumes about the special friendship between the two countries and China’s support for the just cause of Palestine.

Al-Maliki said China is a trustworthy, reliable friend, and Palestine appreciates the proposals put forward by China’s head of state for resolving the Palestinian question.

Shortly before the visit, in an interview with Xinhua, Abbas Zaki, a Central Committee member of Fatah and its Commissioner for Relations with Arab Countries and China, said China and Palestine are “friends closer than brothers.” Fatah is a major Palestinian political party that is also led by President Abbas.

Speaking of the first China-Arab States Summit held late last year, Zaki said it was a milestone in the history of China-Arab relations and would guide the direction for developing them in the new era.

“I am very pleased to see that China has been more involved in Middle East affairs after the China-Arab States Summit last year,” he said, noting that the resumption of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia resulted from the China-proposed Global Security Initiative.

He added that the rapprochement signalled a change in the political landscape in the Middle East and raised awareness of unity and independence among regional countries.

Zaki said Western countries, led by the United States, have destabilized the region. “Iraq, Libya and Syria were destroyed by them, and Sudan is now facing fragmentation.”

The following articles were originally published on the websites of the Xinhua News Agency and People’s Daily. The text of the joint statement was machine translated from Chinese and lightly edited by us.

Chinese, Palestinian presidents hold talks

Xinhua, 14 June 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday.

The two leaders announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Palestine.

Xi said China and Palestine are good friends and good partners who trust and support each other. He said China was one of the first countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine.

Ramzy Baroud: China remains committed to its principled stance on Palestine

In this article for MintPress News, Palestinian journalist and author Ramzy Baroud analyzes China’s approach to the Palestine question, noting that while China has always based its position on international law and has always stood up for Palestinian national rights, it has been notably more forthright in recent months. Baroud reports that China’s United Nations Ambassador, Geng Shuang, made strong comments recently about the need for a “comprehensive and just solution” based on ending Israel’s provocations, and called on Tel Aviv to “immediately halt” the “illegal expansion of settlements.” Geng also brought up the plight of the Palestinian refugees – a subject that Israel and its allies in the West would very much prefer went unmentioned.

Baroud concludes that China has (correctly) identified US intransigence as the number one reason for the lack of progress in developing a just solution to the Palestine question. Meanwhile, given China’s blossoming relation with the Arab world, “the more Palestine takes center stage in Arab political discourse, the greater emphasis the issue receives in China’s foreign policy agenda.”

With Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arriving in Beijing today (13 June 2023), there is a good opportunity for China to lend its assistance to the project of building a just and lasting peace in the region.

Remarks by China’s United Nations Ambassador, Geng Shuang, on the situation in Occupied Palestine on May 24 were impeccable in terms of their consistency with international law.

Compared to the United States’ position, which perceives the UN, and particularly the Security Council, as a battleground to defend Israeli interests, the Chinese political discourse reflects a legal stance based on a deep understanding of the realities on the ground.

Articulating the Chinese thinking during a UNSC ‘Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestine Question,’ Geng did not mince his words. He spoke forcefully about the “irreplaceable” need for a “comprehensive and just solution” that is based on ending Israel’s “provocations” in Jerusalem and the respect for the right of “Muslim worshipers” as well as the “custodianship of Jordan” in the city’s holy sites.

China and Palestine always trust and support each other

A delegation from Palestine’s Fatah party, led by Ali Mashal, the party’s Assistant Commissioner of Arab and Chinese Relations, recently visited China and met with Zhu Rui, Assistant Minister of the Communist Party of China’s International Department (IDCPC), in Beijing on June 2nd.

Zhu said China and Palestine have always been trusting and supporting each other. The CPC attaches great importance to the friendly relations with the Fatah party, and is willing to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties and work for greater achievements in the development of China-Palestine relations.

Mashal said the Palestine-China relationship was forged by leaders of the elder generation of Palestine and China, and President Abbas and the Palestinian people will stand together with the Chinese people as always. Fatah, he said, is expecting China to play a greater role in the settlement of the Palestinian question, adding that, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era and the Chinese path to modernisation serve as a model for countries in the world to independently explore their own development paths suited to their national conditions.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will pay a state visit to China, June 13-16, as the first Arab head of state to visit the country this year.

The below article was originally published on the IDCPC website.

Zhu Rui, Assistant-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a delegation of the Fatah Party of Palestine led by Ali Mashal, Assistant Commissioner of Arab and Chinese Relations of the Fatah Party.

Zhu said, China and Palestine have always been trusting and supporting each other. Ever since the beginning of the new era, President Xi Jinping and President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas have reached consensus on multiple issues, charting the course for the development of bilateral relations. The Chinese side is thankful for the valuable support from the Palestinian side on issues concerning China’s core interests, and will continue to firmly support the just cause of the Palestinian people. The CPC attaches great importance to the friendly relations with the Fatah Party, and is willing to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two Parties and work for greater achievements in the development of China-Palestine relations. Zhu also gave a briefing on the thematic education campaign on learning and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era.

Mashal said, the Palestine-China relationship was forged by leaders of the elder generation of Palestine and China, and President Abbas and the Palestinian people will stand together with the Chinese people as always. The Fatah Party is willing to join hands with the CPC to promote the in-depth development of the relations between the two Parties and the two countries, and is expecting China to play a greater role in the settlement of the Palestinian question. He noted that it is because of the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era that the CPC is able to lead the Chinese people to win one victory after another. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era and the Chinese path to modernization serve as a model for countries in the world to independently explore their own development paths suited to their national conditions.

Fariz Mehdawi, Palestinian Ambassador to China, was present.

China reiterates support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty and independence

Some 12 years after it was unjustly excluded, Syria was readmitted to the Arab League on May 7. An emergency meeting of the League’s Foreign Ministers, held in the Egyptian capital Cairo, resolved to restore Syria’s membership with immediate effect. This clears the way for Syria to attend the League’s Summit, which is due to convene in the Saudi Arabian city of Riyadh on May 19. The Wall Street Journal described the move as, “complicating American efforts to isolate President Bashar al-Assad and signalling a waning of US influence in the Middle East.” The paper added: “The decision to readmit Syria to the Arab League represents a rejection of US interests in the region and shows that Middle Eastern countries are forging policies independent of Western concerns.”

Syria’s diplomatic victory is part of a broad and dramatic redrawing of the geopolitical map of West Asia particularly following the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, mediated by China, to restore bilateral relations.

Reporting on the summit meeting between China and the Arab League, held during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Saudi Arabia last December, and noting that the Chinese leader’s proposals to his Arab counterparts included a pledge to provide humanitarian support and reconstruction efforts for a number of countries, including Syria, this website commented, on December 12 2022, that: “This is particularly significant in that Syria is still unjustly excluded from the League of Arab States, although considerable progress is being made to rectify this.”

Consistent with these trends, on April 29, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received the visiting Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East, Zhai Jun in his capital, Damascus.

At their meeting, President Assad noted that the most significant positive change in the world has been the Chinese role, which is increasing in a calm and balanced manner, and that this role has become a new model in politics, economy, and culture. He went on to observe that the entire world today needs the Chinese presence politically and economically to rebalance the global situation and praised the Chinese mediation that culminated in the rapprochement and improvement of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which, he said, will have a positive impact on the stability of the entire Middle East region.

Underlining the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Syrian leader said that the confrontation with imperialism has become economic in the first place, which makes it increasingly necessary to reduce the use of the US dollar in transactions, and that BRICS countries can play a leading role in this area, along with the option of adopting the Chinese yuan for trade payments between countries.

Assad said that Syria does not forget that Beijing has been by its side during the war years to defend its sovereignty, adding that all the assistance provided by Beijing during the earthquake catastrophe was appreciated.

For his part, Zhai Jun expressed China’s satisfaction with the victory achieved by the Syrian people in their battle against terrorism, considering it a victory for all countries that defend their sovereignty and dignity. He added that Beijing will support Syria with words and deeds in international forums in defense of truth and justice, and support its battle against hegemony, terrorism and external interference. He also expressed his country’s support for the positive developments taking place in the rapprochement between Syria and the Arab countries.

Shortly before his meeting with the head of state, Zhai Jun met with Fayssal Mikdad, Syria’s Foreign and Expatriates Minister, who renewed his country’s support for the territorial integrity of China and the one-China principle, while, for his part, Zhai expressed his appreciation for the achievements made by Syria, a country friendly to China, and China’s rejection of all attempts to interfere in Syria’s internal affairs, reiterating his country’s support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty and independence.

The following reports were originally carried by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

President al-Assad receives Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East

President Bashar al-Assad received Saturday Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Zhai Jun.

The central topic between the President al-Assad and Zhai Jun was the common perceptions of the bilateral relationship between Syria and China within the larger landscape of China’s relationship with the countries of the Middle East and its vital role throughout this region.

President al-Assad pointed out that the most significant positive change in the world has been the Chinese role, which is increasing in a calm and balanced manner, and that this role has become a new model in politics, economy and culture, especially as it is based on the principle of achieving stability, peace and profit for all.

President al-Assad noted that the entire world today needs the Chinese presence politically and economically to rebalance the global situation, taking into account the Russian-Chinese relations and the BRICS alliance in terms of constituting a strong international space capable of creating a multipolar international order.

President al-Assad praised the Chinese mediation that culminated in the rapprochement and improvement of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which will have a positive impact on the stability of the entire Middle East region.

His excellency underlined the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative aimed at achieving development and economic cooperation.

President al-Assad stressed that the confrontation has been economic in the first place, which makes it increasingly necessary to release the US dollar in transactions, and that BRICS countries can play a leading role in this area, as well as the option of adopting the Chinese yuan for trade transactions between countries.

President al-Assad said that Syria does not forget that Beijing has been by its side during the war years to defend its sovereignty in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, and we appreciate all the assistance provided by Beijing during the earthquake catastrophe.

President al-Assad conveyed his greetings to the Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people.

For his part, the special envoy Zhai Jun conveyed to President al-Assad the greetings of the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, and his keenness to achieve greater results at the level of bilateral relations.

He stressed that China views relations with Syria from a strategic perspective and within the framework of a comprehensive vision for the region.

Zhai Jun expressed his country’s satisfaction with the victory achieved by the Syrian people in their battle against terrorism and considered that it is a victory for all countries that defend their sovereignty and dignity.

He said that Beijing will support Syria with words and deeds in international forums in defense of truth and justice, and support its battle against hegemony, terrorism and external interference

He expressed his country’s support for the positive developments taking place in the rapprochement between Syria and the Arab countries.

Mikdad: Syria supports the One-China principle

Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Fayssal Mikdad, met on Saturday the Special representative of the Chinese Government for the Middle East affairs Zhai Jun and the accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, Minister Mikdad renewed Syria’s support for the territorial integrity of China and the one-China principle , rejecting in this regard the attempts of some countries to interfere in China’s domestic affairs.

In turn, the Chinese envoy expressed his appreciation for the achievements made by Syria, a country friendly to China, and China’s rejection of all attempts to interfere in its internal affairs, reiterating his country’s support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty and independence.

China’s diplomacy furthers Yemen peace talks

Since the dramatic announcement from Beijing on March 10 that the hitherto bitterly estranged Middle Eastern neighbors, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, had agreed to reconcile as a result of Chinese mediation, the political map of the region has continued to evolve dramatically in a direction favorable to its countries and peoples and unfavorable to imperialism.

On April 6, in a further development not flagged in advance, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met in Beijing, both separately and in a trilateral meeting, with Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amir-Abdollahian and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Witnessed by their Chinese counterpart, the two ministers signed an agreement re-establishing their diplomatic relations with immediate effect, following up the agreement reached in principle the previous month.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has accepted an invitation to visit Saudi Arabia and there is talk of future Saudi investment in Iran, which would constitute a significant blow to the US sanctions regime.

In a related development, on April 2, Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia plans to invite Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to attend the Arab League Summit scheduled for May 19 in Riyadh. This follows a state visit by President Assad and his wife to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a visit by the Syrian Foreign Minister to Egypt.

Most dramatically, there seems to be a real prospect of an end to the terrible war, described by the United Nations as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, that has torn Yemen apart for the last nine years and of a lasting political solution in that country. With the assistance of Omani intermediaries, a Saudi delegation visited the Yemeni capital Sana’a in the first week of April for discussions with the Houthi resistance movement who control the capital and much of the country. On April 8, the outline of a peace process, starting with an 8-month ceasefire was announced. The Wall Street Journal commented: “The prospect of ending Yemen’s seemingly intractable conflict has advanced quickly since last month, when China brokered a détente between Saudi Arabia and Iran.” The paper further quoted Houthi spokesperson Mohammed al-Bukhaiti as saying:

“It is too early to say for sure that the negotiations in Sana’a will be successful, but it is clear that an atmosphere of peace hangs over the region, which gives cause for optimism and hope.”

Analyzing the Yemeni developments, Ryan Grim, writing in The Intercept, states: “What’s startling here is the apparent role of China — and complete absence of the US and President Joe Biden — in the deal-making.”

He quotes Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft: “Biden promised to end the war in Yemen. Two years into his presidency, China may have delivered on that promise.”

Grim adds: “The US always backed Saudi Arabia to the hilt and vociferously opposed the Houthis, who are backed by Iran. Now China has extracted concessions from the Saudis that made the cease-fire talks possible.”

Grim further cites the Wall Street Journal as reporting on April 6: “In an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this week, CIA Director William Burns expressed frustration with the Saudis, according to people familiar with the matter. He told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the US has felt blindsided by Riyadh’s rapprochement with Iran and Syria – countries that remain heavily sanctioned by the West – under the auspices of Washington’s global rivals.”

The editors of this website do not agree with all the premises of Grim’s article. Specifically, we believe that it over-emphasizes the degree to which it presents developments as representing some kind of defeat or setback for Saudi Arabia. Rather, we consider the main aspect of developments, far from constituting a zero sum game, as being in the interests and mutual benefit of all parties concerned. Most especially, we do not agree with the reference in the article’s conclusion to a “constellation of satellites”. No country is a satellite of China and China has no interest or desire to develop such relations. We nevertheless are pleased to reproduce the article below for its interesting information and mainly positive analysis.

THE WAR IN Yemen looks like it’s coming to an end. U.S. media reported on Thursday that a cease-fire extending through 2023 had been agreed to, but those reports also included Houthi denials. On Friday, Al Mayadeen, a generally pro-Houthi Lebanese news outlet, reported optimism from the Houthi side that the deal is real and the war is winding down. Reuters later on Friday matched Al Mayadeen’s reporting, confirming that Saudi envoys will be traveling to Sana’a to discuss the terms of a “permanent ceasefire.”

What’s startling here is the apparent role of China — and complete absence of the U.S. and President Joe Biden — in the deal-making.

“Biden promised to end the war in Yemen. Two years into his presidency, China may have delivered on that promise,” said Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. “Decades of militarized American foreign policy in the Middle East have enabled China to play the role of peacemaker while Washington is stuck and unable to offer much more than arms deals and increasingly unconvincing security assurances.”

The U.S. always backed Saudi Arabia to the hilt and vociferously opposed the Houthis, who are backed by Iran. Now China has extracted concessions from the Saudis that made the cease-fire talks possible. The Saudis seem like they are fully capitulating to the Houthi demands, which include opening the major port to allow critical supplies into the country, allowing flights into Sana’a, and allowing the government to have access to its currency to pay its workers and stabilize the economy. Reasonable stuff.

“The Saudi concessions — including a potential lifting of the blockade and exit from the war — demonstrate that their priority is to protect Saudi territory from attack and focus on economic development at home,” said Erik Sperling, executive director of Just Foreign Policy, which has been working for an end to the war in Yemen for years. “This diverges from the approach preferred by many Washington foreign policy elites who continued to hope that the Saudi war and blockade could force the Houthis to make concessions and cede more power to the U.S.-backed Yemeni ‘government.’”

Palestinian delegation visits China

The long-term friendship and solidarity between China and Palestine has again been reaffirmed by the recent visit of a delegation of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front (PPSF) headed by its General Secretary Ahmed Majdalani. Founded in 1967, the PPSF is a major organisation of the Palestinian resistance.

Meeting the delegation on March 30, Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), stated that the friendship between China and Palestine is determined by the shared history of both sides and is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Over the past half century and more, the two sides have always firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests. Regardless of the changes in international and regional situations, the Chinese side firmly supports the Palestinian people’s just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights and always stands with the Palestinian people.

Majdalani said there is deep friendship between the political parties, governments, and peoples of Palestine and China, and the Popular Struggle Front has maintained regular contact with the CPC for many years. The Palestinian side adheres to the One China principle, firmly supports China’s position on issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea, and supports China in addressing various challenges in the changing world. The Palestinian side congratulates on the successful China-Arab States Summit and China’s successful promotion of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and supports and welcomes China’s greater role in the security and stability of the Middle East. The Popular Struggle Front attaches great importance to its comradely relations with the CPC and actively responds to the series of initiatives proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping.

The same day, Majdalani, who is also Palestine’s Minister of Social Development, met with Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li, who welcomed his visit to China and said that China and Palestine are good brothers and good partners, adding that China firmly supports the Palestinian people’s just cause to restore legitimate national rights, and always stands together with the Palestinian people. China will, as always, provide Palestine with humanitarian and development assistance.

Majdalani highly appreciated China for upholding a just position and playing an important role on the Palestinian question, and thanked China for firmly supporting the Palestinian people’s just cause and providing Palestine with long-term and precious support and help.

The next day, the IDCPC hosted a forum on the ‘Common Progress of Civilisations of China and Palestine’ in the southern city of Nanjing. Speaking at the forum, Majdalani thanked the Chinese side for always firmly supporting the just cause of the Palestinian people. He added that the Palestinian side highly appreciates the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, and is willing to join hands with the Chinese side to promote their respective modernization through exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.

The following articles were originally carried on the websites of the IDCPC and the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Additionally, articles on their China visit can be read on the PPSF website.

Liu Jianchao Meets a Delegation of the Popular Struggle Front of Palestine

Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a delegation of the Popular Struggle Front of Palestine headed by Ahmed Majdalani, Secretary General of the Popular Struggle Front of Palestine.

Liu stated that the friendship between China and Palestine is determined by the shared history of both sides and deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Over the past half century and more, the two sides have always firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests. In December of last year, President Xi Jinping and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas successfully held a meeting, which charted the course for the development of bilateral relations. The CPC attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with the Popular Struggle Front and is willing to take the opportunity of the joint celebration of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen experience exchanges on state governance and administration and strategic communication, enhance cooperation and inject new momentum into the development of China-Palestine relations through inter-party channels.

China’s Iran-Saudi peace deal is big blow to US economic hegemony

The following thoughtful article by Ben Norton, originally published in Geopolitical Economy Report, discusses the potential geopolitical ramifications of the recently-announced Iran-Saudi peace deal, brokered by China.

The article focuses in particular on the waning power of the US dollar and the possibilities for ending decades of dollar hegemony. Ben points out that the petrodollar system, which the US has leveraged to maintain the dollar as the global reserve currency, is now weaker than it has been since its inception, with China setting up multiple deals in recent years to purchase energy in yuan. The Iran-Saudi peace deal will create space for a further development of this trajectory away from the dollar, and has the potential to fundamentally alter the power balance in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia shifting away from its traditional role as a regional proxy for US interests.

As Ben writes, “Riyadh’s gradual move away from its historical role, firmly ensconced in the heart of the US-led camp, reflects a larger global trend toward a multipolar world.” At the heart of this global trend is China’s emergence as the world’s largest economy (in PPP terms) and its increasing diplomatic activity in support of multipolarity and a reconfiguration of international relations, based on the principles of the UN Charter. Given that Saudi Arabia now does more trade with China than the US (as is the case for two-thirds of the world’s countries), it is only logical that it should attempt to balance its international relations. Certainly it would be utterly self-defeating for the Saudis to submit to US pressure to join a New Cold War strategy aimed at isolating China and Russia.

The article cites Zbigniew Brzezinski, in his famous The Grand Chessboard: American Primacy and Its Geostrategic Imperatives, warning that “the most dangerous scenario” for Washington’s unipolar hegemony “would be a grand coalition of China, Russia, and perhaps Iran, an ‘antihegemonic’ coalition”. Unfortunately for his successors, and fortunately for the masses of the world, Brzezinski’s nightmare is becoming reality. As Ben concludes, “decades from now, historians will likely look back at the Iran-Saudi agreement as a watershed moment, reflecting China’s new role on the global stage as a negotiator of peace, symbolizing the end of US unipolar hegemony and the rise of a multipolar world.”

China surprised the world on March 10, announcing that it had successfully sponsored peace talks between rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Four days of secret negotiations in Beijing led to a historic agreement in which the two West Asian nations normalized relations, following seven tense years without any official diplomatic ties.

Iraq had previously hosted peace talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, but these were sabotaged in January 2020 when US President Donald Trump ordered a drone strike to assassinate top Iranian official Qasem Soleimani, who had been involved in the negotiations.

China’s diplomatic breakthrough is part of a larger process of Asian integration, and constitutes a step toward bringing both Iran and Saudi Arabia into the BRICS system and institutions like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

In addition to encouraging stability and peace in a region that has been devasted by decades of US wars and meddling, this deal will have huge economic repercussions across the planet.

More tangibly, the agreement is a significant blow to the petrodollar system that the United States has used to maintain the dollar as the global reserve currency, thus threatening the very foundation of its economic hegemony.

Saudi Arabia has long been one of the world’s leading producers of oil, in the top three (along with the US and Russia). Iran has consistently been among the top 10 producers of crude.

As de facto leader of OPEC, Saudi Arabia has significant influence over the price of oil on the global market. Since the 1970s, Riyadh has agreed to sell its crude in dollars and then invest those petrodollars in Treasury securities, helping to strengthen the value of the greenback and increasing global demand for the US currency.

But the petrodollar system is facing new challengers. The Saudi government publicly confirmed in January that it is considering selling oil in other currencies.

This declaration came just a few weeks after Chinese President Xi Jinping took a historic trip to Riyadh. There, Beijing signed agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Arab League.

What does the Beijing-brokered Saudi-Iran deal mean for the Middle East and the world?

In this useful article for the Morning Star, Steve Bell provides a detailed analysis of the China-brokered agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic relations.

Steve observes that “the Chinese mediation demonstrates the relative decline of US influence and the features of multipolar politics in the region.” China’s foreign policy – based on non-interference, respect for sovereignty, and mutual benefit – has resulted in positive economic and diplomatic relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia. Since China consistently pursues peace and cooperation, and grounds itself firmly in the principles of the UN Charter, it is increasingly recognised as a trustworthy and valuable partner in addressing complex geopolitical problems. Steve writes that “China’s diplomacy has secured an agreement which foreshadows a new period of world history. One where the multipolar world is an undeniable fact, to the great benefit of the planet’s population.”

The article also discusses the impact of the agreement on the wider West Asian region. Improved relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia can be expected to improve prospects for the rebuilding of Iraq and Syria, and for ending the horrific suffering being faced by the people of Yemen. The agreement could also positively impact the pursuit of Palestinian national rights.

THE agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic relations is to be greatly welcomed.

Diplomatic relations broke down in January 2016, when Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran. This followed the Saudi regime’s execution of prominent Shi’ite cleric, Sheikh Nimr Bagir al-Nimr.

There have been serious attempts to resolve the breakdown. The Iraqi government has facilitated five rounds of talks since April 2021, and the Omani regime has also been helping.

The breakthrough came in Beijing, where five days of negotiation, hosted and assisted by the Chinese government, resulted in success.

The agreement resumes diplomatic relations, with embassies and missions to reopen within two months. It respects the sovereignty of states and pledges non-interference in national affairs of state.

The ministers of foreign affairs will meet to arrange the return of ambassadors and discuss means of enhancing bilateral ties.

Both sides agreed to implement a previously signed co-operation agreement of 1998 and a security co-operation agreement signed in 2001. These had been signed during the tenure of president Mohammad Khatami, but not effectively acted upon.

China’s example of leadership injects hope into a world of uncertainty

Co-editor of Friends of Socialist China Danny Haiphong remarks on the significance of China’s successful brokering of renewed ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia. China “walking the walk” on diplomacy and peace, he says, has injected stability into a period of crisis and paves the way to a more democratic and multipolar world order.

This article first appeared in CGTN.

On the one-year anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China released a position paper on the path forward to peace. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed that the peace proposal lacked credibility and questioned China’s commitment to the sovereignty and international law. Just weeks after China released its position on peace in Ukraine, Blinken was proven wrong. Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to reestablish relations on March 10 after a round of successful talks that took place in Beijing.

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called the agreement a victory for peace. He was right. That two nations with complex differences and disputes were willing to sit down with their Chinese counterparts to work toward peace in a region that’s been devastated by war and external interference is indeed a major victory.

The reestablishment of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens several possible doors to resolve pressing issues such as the status of Palestine, the war in Yemen, and Saudi Arabia and Iran’s future participation in multilateral institutions such as the BRICS Plus and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Both Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to respect the sovereignty and internal affairs of other nations, a key pillar of peaceful development.

Contrary to the U.S. narrative, China’s leadership has injected confidence into a world of uncertainty and strife. In the field of global politics, China has demonstrated through concerted action just how serious it is about the cause of peace. The landmark diplomatic achievement between Saudi Arabia and Iran does not exist in a vacuum. It is part of China’s overall leadership role in the larger global movement to democratize international relations and move away from destructive hegemonism.

In this regard, China has both talked the talk and walked the walk. China has remained neutral and handled the world-altering Ukraine crisis in a manner consistent with international law. Rather than following the U.S. and the West in throwing fuel onto a fire with weapons sales and sanctions, China maintained relations with all sides and made itself available as a possible mediator for peace. This is consistent with China’s longstanding policy of non-interference in the affairs of other countries. The world has been watching carefully as China has stood tall in opposing illegal and counterproductive Western-led sanctions, color revolutions, and aggressive militarism.

Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that China helped mediate the successful talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia during the nation’s annual Two Sessions. Thousands of deputies and representatives have been deliberating around the clock to review achievements and set the policy agenda for the coming year. Despite a global economic slowdown, China’s GDP grew by 3 percent in 2022 and an around 5 percent GDP growth rate target has been set for 2023. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Chinese goods and services fell to just 1 percent in February, a signal that China has successfully defeated inflationary pressures currently wracking the West.

China’s rise has accelerated by leaps and bounds, paving the way to a more prosperous and stable livelihood for the Chinese people and an example of global leadership that both Chinese people and the people of the world can be proud of.

The success of the Iran-Saudi talks in Beijing alone should put naysayers of China’s global “credibility” to rest. However, China’s leadership has long been embraced the majority of the world’s nations. This is most clearly reflected in the massive interest in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which currently is comprised of over 140 countries and several thousand infrastructure projects either completed or under development.

China’s staunch opposition to economic sanctions and zero-sum relations has given nations in all corners of the world confidence in its global leadership. The U.S. and West make up a minority of global public opinion despite their leaders’ insistence that they alone speak for the “international community.”

Lies can poison the psyche, but they can’t change reality. Facts are stubborn things. The fact is that China’s leadership has injected hope into a world in dire need of it. China’s facilitation of successful talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia is concrete proof.

Following Chinese mediation, Iran and Saudi Arabia to resume diplomatic relations

The announcement from Beijing on Friday March 10 that, following Chinese mediation, Iran and Saudi Arabia are to resume their diplomatic relations is widely recognised as a stunning diplomatic and political development, with profound implications not only for the Middle East (or West Asia), but also for international relations generally.

In a Joint Trilateral Statement by the People’s Republic of China, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the three countries announced that, “an agreement has been reached between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, that includes an agreement to resume diplomatic relations between them and re-open their embassies and missions within a period not exceeding two months, and the agreement includes their affirmation of the respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in internal affairs of states.”

The statement began by noting that this development came, “in response to the noble initiative of His Excellency President Xi Jinping” and “based on the agreement between His Excellency President Xi Jinping and the leaderships of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, whereby the People’s Republic of China would host and sponsor talks between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” and continued:

“The delegations from the two countries held talks on 6-10 March 2023 in Beijing – the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia headed by His Excellency Dr. Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and National Security Advisor, and the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran headed by His Excellency Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

The Saudi and Iranian sides also expressed their gratitude to Iraq and Oman for having hosted previous rounds of dialogue.

Xi Jinping visited Saudi Arabia last December, where he also attended China’s first summits with both the Gulf Cooperation Council and the League of Arab States, and last month hosted the first Beijing visit by an Iranian president in 20 years. It is worth recalling that many people had suggested that, by pursuing relations with Saudi Arabia, China was somehow abandoning or side-lining its friendship with Iran. The reality has proved the exact opposite.

Taken by surprise, the western media scurried to put out its news alerts. The New York Times reported that, “China hosted the talks that led to the breakthrough, highlighting Beijing’s growing role as a global economic and political power, and counterbalance to Washington – particularly in the Middle East, a region that was long shaped by the military and diplomatic involvement of the United States,” adding: “For the United States, the agreement signals that it cannot take for granted the pre-eminent influence it once wielded in Saudi Arabia, an ally that is charting a more independent diplomatic course, and elsewhere.”

It went on to quote Jonathan Fulton, a non-resident senior fellow for Middle East programs at the Atlantic Council, as saying:

“Beijing has adopted a smart approach using its strategic partnership diplomacy, building diplomatic capital on both sides of the Gulf. Unlike the United States, which balances one side against the other, and is therefore limited in its diplomatic capacity.”

Mark Dubowitz, the chief executive of the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, was even more blunt, describing the news as, “a lose, lose, lose for American interests.”

Describing the development as “jolting the geopolitics of the Middle East”, in its first report, the Wall Street Journal wrote:

“China’s role in the talks marks a watershed moment for Beijing’s ambitions in the region, a part of the world where the US has waged war and spent hundreds of billions of dollars in providing security for allies. Along with Russia’s intervention in the Syrian civil war, China’s diplomacy is another sign of the US’s waning influence.”

It continued: “Beijing has provided a lifeline to sanctions-hit Iran, becoming its main remaining crude buyer since the US pulled out of a nuclear deal in 2018. But it has also sought closer ties with Saudi Arabia, Iran’s regional rival, for which it is the biggest trade partner and a top oil buyer.”

The paper quoted Aaron David Miller, who it described as, “a veteran US negotiator in the Middle East”, and who is now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, as saying: “The Saudis see a multipolar future with China and Russia as important partners… It’s also a real slap in the face to Biden.”

The Wall Street Journal noted that, “there have long been hopes in Washington for a so-called Arab NATO that would counter Iran,” adding, “in Israel, the announcement of restored Saudi-Iran ties was met with dismay.”

In its subsequent report, headlined ‘China’s Model of a New Diplomacy Scores a Win With Iran-Saudi Deal’, the paper quoted Chas W. Freeman, a retired American senior diplomat who was President Nixon’s main interpreter during his 1972 icebreaking visit to Beijing, who later served as US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and is today one of the few voices of reason in the US foreign policy establishment, as observing: “Among other things, this suggests that it’s a mistake to dismiss China as a potential peacemaker in Ukraine, as we reflexively did.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Press TV summarised regional reactions, noting that United Arab Emirates (UAE) foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed had described the agreement as, “an important step towards stability and prosperity.” Oman, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan, Türkiye and Pakistan were also among the first countries to rapidly welcome the agreement.

It also won immediate support from key resistance movements in the region. Addressing a local event, the leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said the agreement will be to the benefit of the region, adding: “The rapprochement of Iran and Saudi Arabia proceeds in its normal path and can open new horizons for the region and Lebanon.”

Mohammed Abdulsalam, the chief negotiator for Yemen’s Ansarullah resistance movement, more widely known internationally as the Houthis, said the region is in need of the resumption of “normal ties” between its countries, “for the Islamic nation to reclaim its lost security as a result of foreign, especially American-Zionist, interference.” Such interference, he tweeted, has taken advantage of differences in the region, and used ‘Iranophobia’ to commit aggression against Yemen.

Conversely, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the agreement a “political victory” for Iran and a “serious and dangerous development for Israel,” adding: “This delivers a fatal blow to efforts to build a regional coalition against Iran.”

Another former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who is currently the leader of the opposition, also described the agreement as, “a dangerous development that strips Israel of its regional defensive wall,” adding that it, “reflects the complete and dangerous failure of the Israeli government’s foreign policy.”

We reprint below the full text of the Joint Trilateral Statement. It was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The following is the full text of a joint statement released by the People’s Republic of China, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday.

Joint Trilateral Statement by the People’s Republic of China, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Islamic Republic of Iran

In response to the noble initiative of His Excellency President Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, of China’s support for developing good neighborly relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran;

And based on the agreement between His Excellency President Xi Jinping and the leaderships of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, whereby the People’s Republic of China would host and sponsor talks between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran;

Proceeding from their shared desire to resolve the disagreements between them through dialogue and diplomacy, and in light of their brotherly ties;

Adhering to the principles and objectives of the Charters of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international conventions and norms;

The delegations from the two countries held talks on 6-10 March 2023 in Beijing – the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia headed by His Excellency Dr. Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and National Security Advisor, and the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran headed by His Excellency Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Saudi and Iranian sides expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the Republic of Iraq and the Sultanate of Oman for hosting rounds of dialogue that took place between both sides during the years 2021-2022. The two sides also expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the leadership and government of the People’s Republic of China for hosting and sponsoring the talks, and the efforts they placed towards its success.

The three countries announce that an agreement has been reached between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, that includes an agreement to resume diplomatic relations between them and re-open their embassies and missions within a period not exceeding two months, and the agreement includes their affirmation of the respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in internal affairs of states. They also agreed that the ministers of foreign affairs of both countries shall meet to implement this, arrange for the return of their ambassadors, and discuss means of enhancing bilateral relations. They also agreed to implement the Security Cooperation Agreement between them, which was signed on 22/1/1422 (H), corresponding to 17/4/2001, and the General Agreement for Cooperation in the Fields of Economy, Trade, Investment, Technology, Science, Culture, Sports, and Youth, which was signed on 2/2/1419 (H), corresponding to 27/5/1998.

The three countries expressed their keenness to exert all efforts towards enhancing regional and international peace and security.

Issued in Beijing on 10 March 2023.

The statement was co-signed by Representative for the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, Representative for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and National Security Advisor, and Representative for the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

Video: Are the Arab countries moving into China’s orbit?

In this episode of Kalima Horra, the discussion program hosted by George Galloway on Al Mayadeen television, our Co-Editor Keith Bennett discusses recent developments in the relations between China and the Arab countries and their background. In response to George’s opening observation that the tectonic plates are shifting in the region, Keith draws attention not only to the success of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Saudi Arabia last December, which saw the first summit meetings between China and both the Gulf Cooperation Council and the League of Arab States, but also to the long history of relations between China and the Arab world, including China’s solidarity with the Palestinian revolution from its inception.

In response to a question as to how China can balance its relations with, for example, Saudi Arabia and Iran, Keith notes that China does not establish relations with any nation at the expense of a third country and that it always stresses the common interests of the developing countries, which it considers more important than their differences. Under such circumstances, it is becoming more difficult for the United States to pick off the Arab countries one by one. The US pursuit of a New Cold War, against China, Russia, Iran and some other countries. Keith notes, is serving to increase the coordination among the developing countries, with ever greater interest being expressed in such bodies as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS grouping.

Keith was joined in the studio by Shahid Dastgir Khan, a former student leader in Pakistan and now a human rights lawyer in Britain, and Joseph Robertson, the Strategic Director of the Orthodox Conservatives group; and by video link by Dr. Alessandro Arduino, Principal Research Fellow at the Middle East Institute of the National University of Singapore and an Associate at the Lau China Institute of King’s College London, and by Dr. Einar Tangen, a Senior Fellow at China’s Taihe Institute, based in Beijing.

Dr. Tangen said that, due to its rogue state behavior, the United States had worn out its welcome in the Middle East. Its colonial arrogance and lecturing of others does not work anymore. And Shahid Khan recalled that Pakistan-China friendship was something he clearly remembered right from his childhood. Pakistan, he noted, had played a part in helping draw Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) closer to China.

The full discussion is embedded below.

China and Iran standing together against hegemonism

Ebrahim Raisi becoming the first Iranian head of state to visit China in two decades, at a time of significant regional and global changes, has naturally aroused considerable attention and comment. We reproduce below two discussions in which experts offer their analysis regarding the visit and its likely outcomes.

In an episode of CGTN’s World Insight, presenter Tian Wei is joined by Rong Ying, Vice-President of the China Institute of International Studies; Sadegh Zibakalam, Professor at Tehran University; and Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Middle East Strategic Studies.

Aslani notes that Iran’s full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) sets the scene for a convergence among Asian powers facing US and western pressures. It is the first regional bloc that Iran has joined since the revolution. Professor Zibakalam notes that, within its region, Iran has troubled relations with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel. China, he says, can play an important role in bringing Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE closer together.

Rong Ying was optimistic that the two countries can find ways to cope with the sanctions imposed by the United States, for example by trading in their national currencies. Iran and China are both opposed to the sanctions, he points out. They are illegal and cause untold suffering to the people. However, they force countries to find ways to develop, which is not what the USA intends. He further notes that the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or the ‘Iran nuclear deal’) is endorsed by the UN Security Council and must be implemented. He regrets that the Biden administration has gone back on its word and has failed to rescind Donald Trump’s reneging on the agreement. Iran, he notes, has the right to peacefully develop and use nuclear energy.

The Chinese scholar also forcefully points out that both Iran and China are civilisational countries working together. The significance of this goes beyond the bilateral. Both countries oppose unilateralism, hegemony and bullying. And they treasure sovereignty, territorial integrity and the pride of being an independent nation.

Also, in an episode of Spotlight on Iran’s Press TV, Arnold August, a Montreal-based author and journalist, is joined by John Ross, Senior Fellow at the Chongyang Institute of Financial Studies.

Arnold explains that the strengthening of Iran/China relations is a fitting riposte to the racist denigration of Asian peoples and civilisations by the imperialist powers. He notes that the United States and major western powers simply cannot compete, despite their protestations to the contrary, with such Chinese-initiated projects as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which advance the struggle for a multipolar world. As an example of the increased confidence of the anti-hegemonic forces, he drew attention to the recent Global Times editorial, entitled: ‘Welcome President Raisi. China, Iran no need to watch attitude of US, West.’

John explains that the issue is not that other countries wish to confront the United States. It is that the United States acts against the interests of other countries. The US is suffering defeats in economic competition with China. It also expected Iran and Russia to collapse as a result of sanctions. This has not happened. And the overwhelming majority of the world does not go along with the western sanctions on Russia. However, the danger in this situation, John notes, is that the United States may resort to military means to pursue its objectives.

Both programmes are embedded below.