China says Israel should stop its ‘forced establishment’ of West Bank settlements

BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed to Israeli President Isaac Herzog that Israel should halt and reverse the "forced establishment" of West Bank settlements, according to a statement released by China's foreign ministry on Friday. The Chinese foreign ministry reiterated China's long-held belief that the Palestinian question represents the most significant historical injustice of the present century.

During a meeting in Azerbaijan, Wang emphasized that promoting peace and reconciliation in the region is the core principle of China's Middle East policy. China firmly believes that the "two-state solution" is the appropriate approach to resolving the conflict, with the immediate priority being to swiftly restore full access to the Gaza Strip to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

In addition, Wang stated that Israel should cease and reverse its policy of forcibly establishing settlements in the West Bank. China is prepared to collaborate with the international community to encourage all parties to resume dialogue and consultation at the earliest opportunity and to seek a political resolution to the conflict, Wang added. China has consistently supported the Palestinian cause and maintains close ties with Israel's principal regional adversary, Iran.