Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to halt and reverse what he described as the "forced establishment" of settlements in the West Bank. The call was made during a meeting between the two officials on Thursday in Azerbaijan, according to a statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday.
Wang reiterated China's longstanding position that the Palestinian issue represents one of the most significant historical injustices of the century. He emphasized that promoting peace and reconciliation in the Middle East forms the "cornerstone" of China’s policy toward the region. Highlighting the importance of a political solution, Wang reaffirmed China's support for a two-state resolution and stressed the urgent need to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
President Herzog, commenting on the meeting in a post on the social media platform X, noted that the discussion centered on bilateral relations between Israel and China as well as broader developments in the Middle East. His office declined to provide additional details regarding the topics related to the West Bank or Palestinian issues.
China signaled its willingness to collaborate with the international community to encourage all parties involved to resume dialogue and consultations aimed at reaching a comprehensive political settlement. The country’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause, alongside its close diplomatic ties with Iran, underscores its active role in regional affairs.
The Israeli government has yet to make an official response to China’s statements. Observers note that Israel continues to assert its right to establish communities in the West Bank, viewing the settlements as a matter of historical and security significance, while Palestinians and many international actors consider the settlements illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace.
The meeting comes amid ongoing tensions in the region and renewed international efforts to address the humanitarian and political challenges in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. China’s engagement reflects its growing interest in Middle Eastern diplomacy and its advocacy for a negotiated settlement based on the two-state framework.