China tells Israel to stop ‘forced establishment’ of West Bank settlements | Israel-Palestine conflict News
China’s Foreign Minister Urges Israel to Halt West Bank Settlements
Published: October 16, 2026
BAKU, Azerbaijan — China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Friday, urging Israel to stop and reverse the establishment of settlements in the West Bank. The Chinese foreign ministry released a statement following their meeting, which took place during the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia.
Wang characterized the Palestinian situation as “the greatest historical injustice of this century,” reiterating China’s longstanding position on the issue. He emphasized the need for a “two-state solution” as the path toward resolving the conflict and called for immediate access to the Gaza Strip to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Expressing China’s readiness to engage with the international community, Wang highlighted the importance of reestablishing dialogue among all parties involved to seek a political resolution.
Wang’s attendance at the summit in Baku reflects a broader diplomatic effort by China to assert its influence in Middle Eastern affairs. Earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Cairo, marking his first trip to Egypt in a decade, during which he urged regional countries to resist external influences and reconsider their security frameworks.
According to statements from both leaders, discussions included the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. They underscored the need for diplomatic initiatives to reach a comprehensive peace agreement.
In March, China criticized U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, calling for an end to the hostilities. Wang noted that these actions occurred at a time when negotiations between Washington and Tehran were reportedly making significant strides, including addressing Israel’s security concerns.
China maintains a strategic partnership with Iran and is its largest trading partner, purchasing a substantial amount of its oil. Over the past decade, Beijing has also enhanced its relationships with Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, positioning itself as a significant player in the region’s economic landscape while maintaining strong ties with both the U.S. and Israel.
