China keen to engage as Gaza war halts, but will US-Israel ties hinder efforts?

Top Chinese envoy’s trips to Israel and Palestine signal Beijing’s desire to play Middle East role, but it may face obstacles, analysts say

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An Israeli soldier stands at a lookout near the border with Gaza on Tuesday amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Photo: Reuters

Published: 6:00pm, 22 Jan 2025Updated: 6:05pm, 22 Jan 2025

A top Chinese envoy has visited Israel and Palestine, signalling Beijing’s willingness to engage in regional affairs following the Gaza ceasefire, though observers cautioned that the results might be limited results given the close ties between the US and Israel.

Zhai Jun, China’s special envoy for Middle East affairs, visited Israel and the West Bank last week, meeting top officials including Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas and Eden Bar-Tal, the Israeli foreign ministry’s director general.

It was Zhai’s first visit to Israel and Palestine since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has not visited the area since the beginning of the conflict.

During his meeting with Bar-Tal, Zhai said Beijing welcomed the ceasefire. He also emphasised the importance of the hostage release agreements. Zhai encouraged Israel and China to cooperate more following the ceasefire, particularly in the field of innovation.

“China welcomes the agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of hostages … and hopes that the agreement will be earnestly implemented, leading to the safe release of hostages and a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza,” he said.

The ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas went into effect on Sunday.