Beacon of unity: A message from China

Editor's note:Yi Zhong is a Beijing-based commentator on international affairs. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The Tian'anmen Rostrum in Beijing is adorned with a monumental inscription, "Long Live the World People's Unity," a profound message that reflects the historical wisdom of the Chinese people. Having emerged from the sufferings of past conflict and turmoil, they have come to understand that unity is the foundation of strength and the harbinger of peace. Today, China is ready to share its peace-making formula with nations still mired in conflicts. One such effort was the recent dialogue in Beijing aimed at reconciliation among 14 Palestinian factions.

On July 23, representatives of 14 Palestinian factions signed together the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity. This achievement was catalyzed by China's unwavering and active support for intra-Palestine reconciliation, and marked another significant milestone on the path to peace in the Middle East, following the historic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It also signifies another successful practice of the China Global Security Initiative (GSI), and its vision for common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. Indeed, China is acting with a strong sense of responsibility as a major country, steadfast in pursuing fairness and justice and safeguarding regional peace and stability.

China's commitment to promoting unity within Palestine is rooted in the recognition that central to the Middle East issue is the Palestinian question, the essence of which lies in the restoration and protection of the legitimate national rights of Palestinians. This goal would be elusive, however, if Palestinians remained divided among themselves. Without unity, there would be no political entity with sufficient authority or legitimacy to represent the whole of Palestine on the world stage, thus undermining the prospects for a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question.

To help realize that goal at an earlier date, China has been contributing its strength and wisdom, consistently supporting the Palestinian factions in their quest for reconciliation and unity through consultation, and providing conducive platforms for dialogue.

China's dedication to upholding justice in the Middle East remains steadfast. Currently, the conflict in Gaza is dragging on. A ceasefire agreement remains out of reach. Spillovers continue expanding within and beyond the region. The overall situation in the Middle East keeps worsening. All of these are reasons for grave concern.

At the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum held in May this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's commitment to peace in the Middle East, emphasizing that "war should not continue indefinitely, justice should not be absent forever, and commitment to the two-state solution should not waver at will."

Guided by this position, China proposed a "three-step" initiative on ending the conflict during the reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions in Beijing: Firstly, to promote a comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, and ensure humanitarian assistance and relief access; secondly, under the principle of "the Palestinians governing Palestine," to advance to promote post-war governance of Gaza; thirdly, to admit Palestine as a full member state of the United Nations and begin the implementation of the two-state solution. 

This initiative, responsive to the current situation and adopting a long-term perspective, could help build consensus among all parties, and take the question of Palestine back on track toward a political settlement.

Distance cannot separate true friends. Although thousands of miles apart, China sincerely helps the Palestinian people to seek light in the darkest of times. From fostering peaceful coexistence and good-neighborliness to championing a new security paradigm under the GSI, China has and will always pursue unity and peace, defend international justice, and relentlessly pursue a global community with a shared future.

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