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Why China’s words at top UN court could signal stronger support for Palestinian cause
- Chinese diplomat’s comments at ICJ appear to endorse armed struggle against Israel in what analyst calls an ‘unanticipated shift’ in stance
- However, others say comparisons between speech at World Court and Mao-era rhetoric are overstated, noting Beijing still favours a two-state solution
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Under Chairman Mao Zedong, China was one of the strongest allies of the Palestinian cause, providing arms and training to leaders and parties fighting against Israel’s military occupation.
In recent decades, Beijing has been more reserved about supporting the use of force by Palestinians, often calling on both sides of the conflict to shun violence.
However, that appears to be changing. China’s statements at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last month appeared to signal a hardening posture, with more outspoken support for Palestinians and stauncher criticism of Israel and its bombardments in Gaza.
“In pursuit of the right to self-determination, Palestinian people’s use of force to resist foreign oppression and complete the establishment of an independent state is [an] inalienable right well founded in international law,” said Chinese foreign ministry legal adviser Ma Xinmin during the six-day hearings at the ICJ, where he also reiterated Beijing’s calls for a ceasefire.
Analysts say Ma’s comments marked a significant shift in Beijing’s stance, with some drawing parallels with the Maoist anti-colonial rhetoric of the 1960s. But others say these similarities are overstated, noting that China’s position remains centred on a two-state solution.
“The Chinese discourse at the ICJ marked a departure, with China reverting to its historical position,” said Razan Shawamreh, a researcher focused on Chinese foreign policy at Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus. She added that Beijing’s endorsement of Palestinian armed struggle was an “unanticipated shift”.
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