China backs Palestinians’ right to use armed force against Israel

 China has publicly endorsed the right of the Palestinian people to resort to armed force in their struggle against Israel's occupation of their land, characterizing it as an "inalienable right well founded in international law."

This statement by Zhang Jun, the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, was delivered during the fourth day of public hearings convened by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands.

Zhang Jun emphasized the historical precedent of various nations liberating themselves from colonial rule and asserted that such nations have the right to employ "all available means, including armed struggle."

He underscored that the deployment of armed resistance by Palestinians should be recognized as legitimate and should not be labeled as an act of terrorism.  

Zhang Jun contended that struggles for liberation, self-determination and resistance against colonialism, occupation and aggression should not be unfairly categorized as acts of terror.

In his comprehensive address to the ICJ, Zhang Jun also criticized Israeli policies, denouncing them as oppressive and hindering the exercise and full realization of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

The public hearings, scheduled until February 26, are a response to a UN General Assembly resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the ICJ.

This case has garnered significant international attention, with a record-breaking 52 countries participating in the oral proceedings, marking the highest number since the establishment of the ICJ in 1945.

A panel of 15 judges will deliberate for approximately six months before issuing an advisory opinion on the matter.

Notable participants in the hearings include Hungary, France, South Africa and Egypt, along with prominent international bodies such as the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the African Union.

While Israel has chosen not to partake in the hearings, it has submitted written observations to the court.

China treading carefully in balancing its Middle East policy

China's relationship with Palestine has deep historical roots, with official recognition extended in 1988, although bilateral ties commenced in 1965 when the Palestine Liberation Organization established a representative office in China.

This relationship evolved, reaching the embassy level in 1974. During this period, prominent Palestinian leaders, including Yasser Arafat, visited China, solidifying support for Palestine's struggle. Mao Zedong himself described Israel as an imperialistic base in the region, comparing it to Taiwan.

Despite China's historical support, current policies are less sharply opposed to Israel, although support for Palestine persists. China advocates a two-state solution, emphasizing the Palestinian fight for national rights.

In a symbolic show of support, Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas visited Beijing, marking the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Palestine.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, during the Arab States-China Summit, affirmed support for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Despite these stances, China carefully avoids confrontation with Israel, a country in which it has made substantial investments, particularly related to the Belt and Road Initiative.

Recent events, especially following Hamas' attacks on Israeli civilians, have led China to tread more carefully in balancing its Middle East policy.

China condemned the attacks but refrained from labeling Hamas a terrorist organization, contrasting with the stance of the United States and its allies. The country's broader Middle East policy aligns with its Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing financial investments and diplomacy to preserve these investments.

The recent resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, mediated by China, exemplifies the communist nation's diplomatic efforts in the region.

However, China's response to the Israel-Palestine issue reflects the broader power struggle between the United States and China in the Middle East. China aligns with Russia and Iran on various developments, with shared stances evident at the United Nations level.