China has called for a major international peace conference to debate the creation of a Palestinian state. Gilbert Achcar, a professor of development studies and international relations at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, discussed this demand with Al Jazeera.
After its recent role in reestablishing relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, he stated that such a move presented China with an opportunity to once again be recognized as peacemakers in the Middle East.
A peacekeeping mission would be in opposition to the US’s reputation as a country that “fosters war in the region,” he continued.
China is “well placed” to play a peacekeeping role because of its positive relations with Saudi Arabia, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Iran, according to Achcar.
