A day late and an aid package short
The ongoing Israel-Hamas war is straining China’s claim to global leadership.
On Tuesday, Xi Jinping spoke at a videoconference with leaders of the BRICS countries to discuss the crisis in Gaza.
- Amazingly, it was Xi’s first public speech on the issue.
Xi repeated talking points from top diplomat Wang Yi’s recent meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders, calling for (China Daily):
- A ceasefire
- An international peace conference with a “greater scale, scope, and effectiveness”
- A two-state solution
- The release of all hostages/prisoners
- The maintenance of unimpeded humanitarian corridors
He also talked up Beijing’s humanitarian efforts, saying China:
- Had provided USD 2 million in emergency humanitarian assistance
- Would provide an additional RMB 15 million (USD 2.05 million) worth of humanitarian supplies
By comparison, by end October, the US had pledged USD 100 million to Palestine, while Canada and Germany had provided USD 50 million each (Wilson Center).
Get smart: Even as China puts forward lengthy manifestos on global governance reform, its own responses to global crises remain conservative and timid.
- Xi’s belated platitudes and China's underwhelming material contribution don’t exactly scream “diplomatic powerhouse” to international audiences.
Get smarter: That Qatar brokered a ceasefire – with China having played no discernable role – shows that Beijing remains wary of delicate, high-stakes diplomacy.