Chinese envoy calls on world to put Palestinian question on top of global agenda

UNITED NATIONS a Chinese envoy on Friday called on the international community to place the Palestinian question on top of the international agenda.

The international community must always place the Palestinian question on top of the international agenda, and advance the two-state solution with a greater sense of urgency, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

He made the statement at this year's pledging conference for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East UNRWA READ more: Palestinian issue should be prioritized on global agenda.

In alleviating the humanitarian crisis of Palestinian refugees, Geng highlighted that the agency has played a crucial and vital role in alleviating the humanitarian plight of Palestine refugees by providing them with crucial relief and protection.

China welcomes the adoption by the General Assembly of the resolution on the renewal of the agency's mandate in December last year, which was adopted by a majority of votes in December last year. China notes with concern that the government has been in a deep financial crisis in recent times and its ability to perform its duties has been severe limited, he said.

The envoy said Beijing wanted political support and financial guarantees for UNRWA and necessary assistance to host countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

We also call for the lifting of blockade on the Gaza Strip, the suspension of settlement activities in the occupied territory and the avoidance of unilateral actions that exacerbate the plight of Palestinian refugees, he said.

China has been providing humanitarian and development assistance to Palestine and has been providing assistance within our capacity to support the agency in fulfilling its mandate, he said. This year China will again contribute $1 million to the agency, always and firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, and supports the creation of an independent State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital and on the basis of 1967 borders, he said.

The Chinese envoy has called for a lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.

In December 2022, the Riyadh Declaration of the China-Arab States summit gave significance to the Palestinian issue, demonstrating the solidarity and consensus between China and Arab nations, he said.