Current:Home > MarketsChina sends an envoy to the Middle East in a sign of its ambition to play a larger role -FundWay
China sends an envoy to the Middle East in a sign of its ambition to play a larger role
View
Date:2025-04-17 20:47:07
BEIJING (AP) — China has sent an envoy to the Middle East to push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in the latest sign of its ambition to play a larger role in the region.
Envoy Zhai Jun’s first meetings included one in Qatar with a Russian counterpart on Thursday as the two countries stake out a position at odds with the American approach.
The two sides confirmed their “unwavering focus on closely coordinating efforts for the political settlement of this and other crises in the Middle East and North Africa region,” Russia’s Foreign Ministry said, according to the country’s Tass state news agency.
China, which sees the U.S. as too pro-Israel, has said it opposes attacks on civilians but has not condemned the initial Hamas attack that started the latest war. Instead, it has called for an immediate cease-fire to protect civilians as Israel bombards Gaza before a possible ground invasion.
“We believe that when dealing with hot-spot issues in the international community, major powers should be objective and impartial,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Friday.
Analysts say that China wants to position itself as a mediator and exert its influence in the region as the U.S. shifts its global attention elsewhere. But the latest Gaza war has drawn the U.S. back in, with President Joe Biden visiting Israel this week.
Zhai held meetings in Qatar with Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian president’s special representative for the Middle East and Africa, and with Qatar’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, Mao said.
She added that Zhai would travel to other Mideast countries but did not give any details on which ones or when.
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly told Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week that “Egypt and other Arab countries highly appreciate China’s consistent and just position on the Palestinian question and expect China to play a bigger role in solving the current crisis,” according to a Chinese statement on their meeting.
Xi told Madbouly, who was in Beijing to attend a forum on China’s Belt and Road infrastructure-building initiative, that the top priority is to stop the fighting and prevent it from causing a severe humanitarian crisis.
He said China “stands ready to strengthen coordination with Egypt and other Arab countries to work for a comprehensive, just and enduring solution to the Palestinian question,” the Chinese statement said.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- The Packers visit the 49ers for record-setting 10th playoff matchup
- 2nd suspect convicted of kidnapping, robbery in 2021 abduction, slaying of Ohio imam
- Two Florida residents claim $1 million prizes from state's cash-for-life scratch-off game
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- Kyte Baby company under fire for denying mom's request to work from preemie son's hospital
- Alabama plans to carry out first nitrogen gas execution. How will it work and what are the risks?
- Two Florida residents claim $1 million prizes from state's cash-for-life scratch-off game
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- Reformed mobster went after ‘one last score’ when he stole Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from ‘Oz’
Ranking
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Kyte Baby company under fire for denying mom's request to work from preemie son's hospital
- Lily Collins, Selena Gomez and More React to Ashley Park's Hospitalization
- 13 students reported killed in an elementary school dorm fire in China’s Henan province
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Judge ends suspension of Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr., charged with rape
- Iran launches satellite that is part of a Western-criticized program as regional tensions spike
- Judge orders release of ‘Newburgh Four’ defendant and blasts FBI’s role in terror sting
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
The Ravens are ready to give Dalvin Cook a shot, but there’s no telling what to expect
Hey Now, These Lizzie McGuire Secrets Are What Dreams Are Made Of
A diverse coalition owed money by Rudy Giuliani meets virtually for first bankruptcy hearing
Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
Pete Buttigieg’s Vision for America’s EV Future: Equitable Access, Cleaner Air, Zero Range Anxiety
The Packers visit the 49ers for record-setting 10th playoff matchup
Ohio is poised to become the 2nd state to restrict gender-affirming care for adults