Defying Facts: China’s Unjust Support for Hamas

Erfan Fard

Introduction:

In a world where facts and reality should shape our international relations, it is disheartening to witness China’s unwavering support for Hamas, a designated Islamic terrorist organization responsible for countless acts of violence and terror against innocent civilians. Recent events have exposed a concerning alignment between Beijing and Hamas, and it’s high time the international community takes a closer look at the motivations and consequences of this relationship. China has not officially designated Hamas as a Islamic terrorist organization, and it has maintained contacts with Hamas officials in the past. Its stance on this matter is different from that of many other nations.

The Recent Hamas Attack and China’s Response:

On October 7, 2023 , a barbaric attack by Hamas resulted in the tragic loss of Israeli lives and the taking of hostages, should have elicited universal condemnation. However, China has chosen to side with Hamas, labeling Israel’s response as “excessive retaliatory actions.” This stance raises several important questions about China’s motives and the underlying strategy employed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

One prominent Chinese social media personality, Su Lin, went so far as to equate Israel with the Nazis, making it clear that such sentiments aren’t merely the work of a lone individual. Given China’s strict censorship regime, it’s difficult to believe that such commentary could gain traction without at least tacit approval from Beijing. What is the CCP’s endgame in supporting Hamas, an Islamic terrorist group with acts of barbarism.

China’s Calculated Stance and Geopolitical Ambitions:

One plausible explanation lies in China’s ambition to reshape the global order. During President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Russia, he outlined a vision for a multipolar world order, one that challenges the United States’ position as the global leader, which is a challenge to the traditional Western-led global order. This strategy is built on the foundation of propaganda, where China consistently portrays itself as a responsible global force for peace and stability, while labeling the United States as an imperialist warmonger. Beijing’s efforts to cast the U.S. as an oppressor and itself as a peacekeeper have resonated with audiences across the world.

However, this narrative is fundamentally flawed. Demanding a ceasefire from Israel during a time when Hamas has committed mass murder and atrocities is an affront to justice. Beijing’s support for Hamas is driven by strategic self-interest, not a genuine concern for peace in the region.

The Middle East conflict serves as a convenient distraction for China, diverting international attention from more pressing issues like Taiwan. Furthermore, China’s ambition to create a new world order is closely tied to its economic challenges. As private sector reluctance to spend, invest, and have children remains a significant issue, China is desperately seeking new avenues for economic growth. The Belt and Road Initiative, a cornerstone of China’s global strategy, depends on alliances formed with nations at odds with the United States.

In this context, intensifying regional conflicts serve the CCP’s interests. Global turmoil forces nations to look towards China as a viable alternative, as Russia’s President Vladimir Putin exemplified by leaning on China following the Ukraine crisis. Iran also turned to China, signing lucrative agreements to alleviate Western sanctions. Beijing actively pursues alliances with countries opposing the U.S., strengthening its strategic agenda.

The liberal world order must respond with determination and patience. Supporting Israel in neutralizing Hamas and dismantling support networks for the organization is paramount. This effort should be sustained despite international pressures against Israel. Time is on the side of the United States and its allies, allowing for a measured approach to navigating the complex global landscape.

China’s unjust support for Hamas goes against the principles of justice, peace, and the rule of law. It’s imperative that the international community recognizes this alliance for what it is and ensures that facts, not propaganda, guide our global relationships.

 China’s Growing Influence in the Middle East

China has signified its growing influence in the Middle East this year by announcing a surprise deal on the restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This development underscores China’s expanding role in the region’s complex geopolitical landscape, and its relatively mild stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict is a part of a broader strategy that merits close examination.

China has taken a cautious and somewhat ambiguous stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, refraining from condemning Hamas while calling for a ceasefire. This stance is likely driven by China’s economic interests in the Middle East, as well as its desire to maintain positive relations with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

This approach has raised concerns and questions about China’s role in the conflict and its alignment with various actors in the Middle East. It’s essential to analyze the implications of China’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict and the broader geopolitical context in which it occurs.

 China’s Reluctance to Condemn Hamas

China’s reluctance to explicitly condemn Hamas is noteworthy. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries and international organizations, including the United States, the European Union, Israel, Canada, and others. Its history is marked by violent acts, including rocket attacks on civilian populations, suicide bombings, and other forms of terrorism. Given this, it’s surprising that China has not joined the international community in condemning Hamas.

The Chinese foreign ministry has carefully avoided using the terms “Hamas” and “terrorism” in its statements on the Israel-Hamas conflict. This calculated choice raises questions about China’s motivations and the implications of its stance. By not condemning Hamas, China appears to offer the group a level of impunity, potentially emboldening its actions.

Furthermore, this stance portrays a narrative approved by Hamas, undermining the efforts of other nations to hold the group accountable for its actions. In this light, China’s position in the Israel-Hamas conflict seems to be in alignment with narratives critical of the United States and its alliances, shaping the global information environment to benefit illiberal partners.

 China’s Broader Geopolitical Context

China’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict must be understood within the broader geopolitical context. China’s ambition to play a significant role on the world stage has led to a series of strategic partnerships and alliances with countries that share its goals of challenging the dominance of Western powers, especially the United States.

China has grown closer to Russia as their relations with Western countries deteriorate. Both countries have supported a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, a stance that aligns with their broader aim of reducing U.S. influence in the Middle East. By supporting a multipolar world order, they seek to challenge the traditional Western-led global order.

China’s choices in international matters may not always align with Western values or interests. While it seeks to maintain its economic interests in Israel and further its energy goals through partnerships with Iran, its stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict is part of a broader strategy that includes information warfare efforts to shape narratives favoring its geopolitical goals.

 China’s Role in Mediation and Diplomacy

China’s involvement in the Middle East is not limited to the Israel-Hamas conflict. It has actively pursued mediation efforts between Israel and the Palestinians, hoping to position itself as a credible mediator. However, its stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict has raised concerns about its ability to act as an impartial mediator.

China values its partnerships in the Middle East, including its investments in Iran, known as the “Iran Experience,” and its close ties with Iran. This engagement with Iran is driven by China’s economic interests and the need for energy resources. These interests are in contrast to its economic relations with Israel, which is a significant tech-sector trade partner.

The broader context of China’s alignment with nations such as Russia in certain international matters should be taken into account when analyzing its role in the Middle East. China’s involvement in the region is shaped by its economic and geopolitical interests, and this can sometimes lead to positions that do not align with Western values and objectives.

 Conclusion

China’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict is a matter of concern in the international arena. Its reluctance to explicitly condemn Hamas, coupled with its broader geopolitical ambitions, raises questions about its motivations and the consequences of its actions.

While China portrays itself as a responsible global force for peace and stability, its support for Hamas appears to be driven by strategic self-interest, rather than a genuine concern for peace in the region. This stance aligns with China’s efforts to challenge the traditional Western-led global order and reduce U.S. influence in the Middle East.

It’s crucial for the international community to recognize this alliance for what it is and ensure that facts, not propaganda, guide global relationships. The implications of China’s role in the Israel-Hamas conflict extend beyond the immediate crisis, impacting the balance of power in the region and the principles that shape international relations.

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