China believes that "the Palestinians governing Palestine" should be the fundamental principle for the post-conflict governance of Gaza. It opposes the forced displacement of the people in Gaza, and hopes that relevant parties will take the opportunity of the ceasefire to bring the Palestinian question back to the right track of a political settlement based on the two-state solution, so as to realize lasting peace in the Middle East.
This was the summary of China's position provided by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian when asked what China thought of US President Donald Trump's proposal that the United States "take over" and "own" the Gaza Strip after resettling Palestinians living there in neighboring countries.
The proposal has sparked a wide range of reactions globally. While some view it as a bold attempt to address a long-standing crisis, others remain skeptical of its feasibility and question its underlying motive given Trump's imperialist rhetoric since taking office and his assertion in his inauguration speech on Jan 20 that the US must be "a growing nation, one that increases our wealth, expands our territory".
China has long emphasized the importance of development as a cornerstone of stability, and in this regard, Trump's focus on development would appear to be a step in the right direction. However, the idea of a foreign power assuming control over Gaza, even temporarily, risks undermining the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and could further complicate the already volatile situation in the region. The international community, including China, has long supported a two-state solution as the path to peace, and any proposal must align with this framework to be considered a legitimate proposal.
As it stands, the proposal contravenes international law and relevant United Nations' resolutions on the right of war-displaced Palestinian people to return to their homeland.
The White House clarified on Wednesday that the administration does not intend to pay for the reconstruction of Gaza, nor has it made any commitment to send US troops there, making Trump's Gaza remarks sound more like wild talk about building a castle in the air.
Which, given that the proposal was put forward after Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, has given rise to speculation about what deals might have been struck by the two leaders and to what extent the proposal, which is effectively a nonstarter, was a precursor to a follow-up proposal that favors Israel.
The proposal has also raised questions on the broader implications for the US' foreign policy and its role in the region given the US is impatient to give its undivided attention to Asia.
So far it is still unclear what Trump wants to achieve with his inflammatory remarks on Gaza given the scarcity of details. There is no doubt the US leader likes a hyperbolic opening gambit as a means to get a deal done. Yet the use of his favorite tactic in this case risks sparking further conflict in the region if the two allies try to enforce a solution that addresses Israel's security concerns and consolidates its land-grabbing while ignoring the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination.
While Trump's proposal that the US "take over Gaza" is far-fetched, it does highlight the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. The proposal may have been motivated by a genuine desire on Trump's part to address the suffering, but it only highlights the need for a balanced, inclusive, and multilateral approach grounded in international law that respects the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people while also ensuring Israel's security.
The US should not seek to impose a solution that favors its ally. A viable solution requires all parties' legitimate concerns to be addressed and resolved.
China remains committed to supporting peace and stability in the Middle East and believes that the international community must work together to find a just and lasting end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution.
