In a display of diplomatic muscle, China welcomed foreign ministers from the Middle East on Monday for a major meeting in Beijing. The aim of the meeting was for China to exert its influence over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and work towards a resolution.

China's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, hosted ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, and Indonesia. Wang emphasized China's commitment to working with "our brothers and sisters" in the Arab and Islamic world to end the conflict in Gaza as soon as possible. He expressed gratitude for the high level of trust shown by the visiting diplomats, stating that their decision to visit Beijing demonstrates their faith in China's capabilities as a mediator.

During the talks, Wang highlighted China's long-standing support for the Palestinians and its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the rights and interests of Arab and Islamic countries. China has been a vocal critic of Israel's settlements in the territories of Gaza and the West Bank. Notably, China refrained from criticizing the initial Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mainly civilians, unlike the United States and other countries that labeled it as an act of terrorism.

The objective of the meeting was to pursue a cease-fire, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and ultimately bring an end to the war. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, called for an immediate cease-fire and emphasized the urgent need for international mobilization to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. While appreciating the United Nations Security Council resolution that called for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses, he stressed the importance of further efforts and cooperation.

Accompanying the foreign ministers on their visit to Beijing is the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha, signaling the significance of the meeting.

However, China's vocal support for Muslim leaders and their respective countries in the Middle East comes under scrutiny in light of a United Nations report released in 2022. The report found that the Chinese government has committed "serious human rights violations" in its detention of Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The U.N. report highlights the arbitrary and discriminatory nature of the detentions, raising concerns about potential international crimes against humanity.

China's increasing influence on the global stage is notable, with its involvement in brokering agreements between other nations. In March, Beijing played a pivotal role in facilitating the restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran after years of tension, positioning itself as an international dealmaker alongside traditional powerhouses like the United States and Russia.

As the world's second-largest economy, China's active engagement in international affairs and its efforts to resolve conflicts demonstrate its growing geopolitical significance. The meeting with Middle East foreign ministers serves as a testament to China's commitment to Palestine and its ongoing pursuit of a peaceful and just resolution to the Israel-Hamas war.