In brief
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi has demanded Israel halt its “forced establishment” of West Bank settlements and reverse existing actions, describing the move as a grave injustice aligned with Beijing’s long‑standing support for a two‑state solution. In a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Azerbaijan, Wang stressed the urgent need for complete access to Gaza and an end to the humanitarian crisis. Beijing has been positioning itself as a mediator in Middle East conflicts, brokering diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023 and backing ceasefire efforts in the 2024 US‑Israel‑Iran war. Despite a ceasefire in October 2025, Israeli strikes in Gaza continue, and China calls for a political resolution with international cooperation. The Israeli response praises the meeting and reiterates security concerns against Iran and its proxies.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Israel to stop its “forced establishment” of settlements in the West Bank and to reverse the expansion that has been occurring since the Gaza conflict escalated.
In a face‑to‑face meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the sidelines of a conference in Azerbaijan, Wang described the Palestinian question as “the greatest historical injustice of this century,” reiterating Beijing’s support for a two‑state solution and its role as a mediator in Middle East crises.
China has recently brokered high‑level agreements, such as the 2023 diplomatic restoration between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and it has worked with Pakistan to propose a ceasefire in the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict. Beijing’s 2024 efforts also saw rival Palestinian factions agreeing to form an interim “national reconciliation government,” although the plan was never implemented.
Wang emphasized that the immediate priority is to open Gaza fully and halt what he calls a “humanitarian catastrophe.” He said China is ready to collaborate with the international community to bring all parties back to dialogue and seek a political solution.
Israeli President Herzog posted on X that he was pleased to meet Wang, noting their discussion focused on bilateral relations and the broader Middle East situation. Herzog highlighted Israel’s desire for peace, while stressing the strategic threats from Iran and its proxy groups.
Despite the October 2025 ceasefire, Gaza remains under constant threat from Israeli strikes, displacements, and food security challenges. U.N.‑recited figures from Hamas‑run health ministry report more than 1,400 Palestinians killed in a year of ongoing attacks.
The cessation of large‑scale bombardment has not ended daily shelling, and progress toward the next phase of the ceasefire remains stalled, with both sides accusing one another of violating the agreement’s terms.
