China and Russia Unite to Call for Gaza Ceasefire, Criticize US Dominance
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have joined forces to urge an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, while also criticizing the dominance of the United States and its allies. The two leaders made their remarks at an international conference in Beijing, where Xi outlined his vision of a world order that is less influenced by the US.
Their calls for a ceasefire came as President Joe Biden arrived in Tel Aviv to show support for Israel following a series of devastating attacks by Hamas militants. The situation in Gaza has escalated, with Israel planning a ground assault on the area controlled by Hamas.
President Biden expressed his outrage over the recent explosion at a hospital in Gaza City, which has resulted in hundreds of casualties. Both Israel and Hamas have blamed each other for the blast. The incident has triggered protests across the Middle East and poses a significant challenge to diplomatic efforts by the US and other nations to resolve the conflict. So far, the violence has claimed the lives of over 3,400 people in Gaza and 1,400 people in Israel.
Putin referred to the hospital explosion as a terrible event and a disaster, calling for an immediate end to the conflict and the initiation of negotiations. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also condemned the explosion, expressing shock and condolences to the victims, and demanding a ceasefire and the protection of civilians.
During the conference, Putin expressed optimism about the future of the China-Russia relationship. He argued that conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict serve to strengthen cooperation between the two nations, as they face common external threats.
The conference was attended by representatives from more than 130 countries, mostly developing nations, at the Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen Square. The event commemorated the 10th anniversary of Xi’s Belt and Road initiative, through which China has invested in major infrastructure projects worldwide. Xi defended the initiative, stating that it has created a new framework for international cooperation.
However, many Western European countries and US allies showed minimal participation at the forum. Italy, in particular, appears to be withdrawing from the initiative. The Italian ambassador to China, along with other European officials, staged a walkout during Putin’s speech as a protest against the Ukraine war.
China’s support for Russia in the conflict has strained its relations with the West. Both China and Russia have refrained from condemning Hamas and advocate for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as the fundamental solution to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Xi and Putin highlighted the close ties between their countries, emphasizing the importance of mutual political trust and strategic coordination. Trade between China and Russia reached a record high of $190 billion last year. They have met over 40 times in the last decade and often refer to their friendship.
Putin’s visit to China is his first outside the former Soviet Union since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him. During the conference, he also accepted an invitation from Vietnam’s president to visit Hanoi in the near future. While in Beijing, Putin held a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the only EU leader in attendance at the forum.
As the conflict in Gaza intensifies, China and Russia’s united front, along with their criticism of US dominance, further deepens the divide between them and the West. Their joint efforts to achieve a ceasefire reflect a broader shift in global geopolitics, suggesting a potential realignment of power dynamics in the international arena.
