BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday (Jun 14) that his country was establishing “strategic” relations with Palestinians ahead of talks with leader Mahmud Abbas in Beijing.
Abbas will be in the Chinese capital until Friday, Beijing has said, on his fifth official visit to the world’s second-largest economy.
“Facing a century of global changes and new developments to the situation in the Middle East, China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Palestinian side,” said Xi during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People.
“Today, we will jointly announce the establishment of a China-Palestine strategic partnership, which will be an important milestone in the history of bilateral relations,” added Xi.
Abbas arrived in Beijing on Monday to hold talks with top Chinese leaders including President Xi and Premier Li Qiang.
The two sides are using the opportunity to discuss ways to advance relations and resolve longstanding challenges to the Palestinian-Israel relationship.
Beijing has sought to boost its ties in the Middle East, challenging US influence – efforts that have sparked unease in Washington.