China has called on the United Nations to implement the two-state solution and grant Palestine full membership in the world body, as a way to end the long-standing conflict with Israel and achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.
In a position paper released on Monday, China said that the current Palestinian-Israeli situation has caused heavy civilian casualties and a serious humanitarian disaster, and that the international community should work toward a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question at an early date.
China’s position paper came ahead of the UN Security Council’s quarterly discussion on the Situation in the Middle East, scheduled for January 15, in which Palestine plans to apply for full membership at the UN for the first time since 2011.
“Palestine, the Observer State in this Organization for 10 years now has proved that it qualifies for full membership. You have all recognized this,” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in his speech to the General Assembly in September last year.
However, the Palestinian bid is doomed to fail due to the expected veto from the United States, Israel’s staunch ally and one of the five permanent members of the Security Council.
Israel has also vowed to fight the Palestinian initiative, accusing the Palestinian Authority of encouraging violence and incitement against Israel, and rejecting the two-state solution.
China, which has maintained diplomatic relations with Palestine since 1988 and established a strategic partnership with it in June last year, said that it supports an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and that it respects the legitimate national rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.
China also urged all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect civilians, ensure humanitarian assistance, and avoid any actions that may escalate the tension or undermine the prospects of peace.
According to relevant UN resolutions and international consensus, the fundamental settlement of the question of Palestine lies in the implementation of the two-state solution, China said, adding that it is ready to work with the international community to promote dialogue and negotiation, and contribute to the realization of peace, security and development in the Middle East.