China has planned to host a forum attended by representatives from 130 countries, but the Israel-Gaza war casts a shadow over the event as the international community calls on an assertive China to help de-escalate the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin tops the list of invitees for China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum, marking his first major global appearance since the Ukraine invasion led to international isolation.
Leaders are arriving in Beijing for the 10th-anniversary celebration of the BRI, a cornerstone of President Xi Jinping’s efforts to expand China’s global influence. Nevertheless, the Israel-Gaza war continues to dominate headlines.
Israel initiated the conflict after a series of attacks by Hamas fighters, resulting in more than 1,400 casualties, mostly civilians. Gaza has seen over one million people displaced amid heavy Israeli bombardment, causing widespread destruction.
China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, condemned Israel’s actions as going “beyond self-defense” and urged the cessation of collective punishment against Gaza’s population, marking China’s strongest stance on the conflict to date. Notably, China has been criticized for not explicitly mentioning Hamas in its statements on the Israel-Gaza situation.
Wang Yi spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who called on China to use its influence in the Middle East to promote calm. China has a close relationship with Iran, which supports both Hamas and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group. Earlier this year, China mediated between Iran and Saudi Arabia, former regional rivals.
China’s special envoy, Zhai Jun, will visit the Middle East to push for a ceasefire and peace talks, although the specific countries he will visit remain undisclosed.
The BRI summit offers Beijing a platform to frame attendance as support for its positions on global issues, according to Niva Yau of the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub.
Several world leaders have arrived in Beijing for the two-day forum, including Hungary’s Viktor Orban, Chile’s Gabriel Boric, Kenya’s William Ruto, and Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held talks with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi upon his arrival, and President Vladimir Putin, whose strategic reliance on China has increased, is expected to attend. China’s economic ties with Russia have thrived, especially in the energy sector.
China has avoided condemning the Ukraine war, positioning itself as a neutral party while offering Moscow diplomatic and financial support. The close partnership between Xi and Putin is reinforced by mutual necessity, both seeking to counter Western dominance in the global arena.
Putin, in a pre-visit interview with Chinese state broadcaster CGTN, hailed the mutual benefits of the BRI and emphasized Xi Jinping’s significance on the world stage, describing him as a true world leader. The two leaders see their alliance as a vital bulwark in their shared struggle against Western dominance.
