Mar 19, 2024, 09:39PM ISTSource: TOI.in
Chinese diplomat Wang Kejian met Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar, marking the first meeting between a Chinese and Hamas official since the October 7 attacks. This encounter followed Wang’s visits to Israel and the occupied West Bank, where he became the first known envoy Beijing sent to either location since the conflict began. During the meeting, Wang and Haniyeh discussed the Gaza conflict and other pertinent issues, with China’s ambassador to Qatar, Cao Xiaolin, also in attendance. Haniyeh commended China’s role in international forums like the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice. Hamas previously met with Cao in Qatar last month, although China’s Foreign Ministry and its embassy in Qatar have not disclosed details about these engagements. Wang’s visit aligns with China’s efforts to elevate its status as a mediator for peace and increase its global presence. However, China has refrained from condemning Hamas or labeling it a terrorist group.