Head of the US Senate delegation to Beijing, Chuck Schumer, expressed disappointment over China’s statement on the Hamas attack.
Schumer told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that he was very disappointed with China’s statement on the recent attack, as Beijing had not demonstrated any sympathy or support for Israel.
I was very disappointed to be honest by the Foreign Ministry statement that showed no sympathy or support for Israel during these troubled times.
This week, Schumer is leading a delegation of six senators – three Democrats and three Republicans – to China, the first visit by US lawmakers since 2019.
“I urge you and the Chinese people to stand with the Israeli people and condemn these cowardly and vicious attacks.”
China on Sunday called on both sides to end the hostilities immediately, but the country did not condemn Hamas’ abrupt attack early Saturday morning that killed more than 1,000 people on both sides and wounded thousands more.
The ministry stated that the establishment of an independent state of Palestine was a fundamental solution to the problem.
The recurrence of the conflict shows once again that the protracted standstill of the peace process cannot go on.
The statement also added that the international community needed to act with greater urgency and encourage the resumption of peace talks.
China has traditionally supported the Palestinians, but has also strengthened ties with Israel. The superpower has intensified its presence in the Middle East in recent years, helping to restore ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran and welcoming Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad on a visit to China.
Schumer cited ensuring fair trade between the two countries as the top priority for the Senate delegation.
“We want the Chinese people to have economic opportunity. That would be good for America. But China must also provide a level playing field for American companies and workers. Many Americans, most Americans including our delegation, do not believe we have that fairness now.”
Wang urged the United States to respect China’s major interests and its rights to development. The Chinese government views US restrictions on trade and technology exports to China as an attempt to curb the country’s economic growth.
Schumer also raised questions about Chinese companies that the US says are supplying chemicals to produce fentanyl. The companies in turn ensure that China will not support what he called Russia’s “immoral war” against Ukraine, promoting human rights and releasing detained Americans.
