China's Role in the Israel-Palestine Conflict Under Scrutiny as President Xi Jinping Attends BRICS Summit
The recent Israel-Palestine conflict has sparked global attention, with heated debates and deep reactions from people worldwide. Among those paying close attention to the situation is China, who announced that President Xi Jinping would attend a significant summit on November 21 in response to an invitation from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying, revealed this news through various statements across different media platforms.
21 November 2023
According to the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas' statement issued on local time of February 20, the recent conflict between Israel and Palestine has resulted in a devastating loss of life. The number of deaths in Gaza has surpassed an alarming 13,300, with over 5,600 children and more than 3,550 women among those who lost their lives. The Palestinian Health Ministry also reported that at least 215 people were killed and more than 2,800 injured as of the evening of February 19 in Gaza.
The Chinese President's attendance at a summit of BRICS leaders was met with great anticipation from Weibo netizens, who expressed mixed views on the matter. While some were hopeful about President Xi Jinping's potential influence in bringing an end to the conflict, others criticized China for its close ties with Israel as a key ally and strategic partner, calling for impartiality in the international community's response to the situation.
One Weibo user wrote, "China should use their friendship with Israel to urge them towards peace. This is not just an issue for Palestinians but also a global humanitarian crisis." Another netizen expressed frustration and disappointment, stating, "It's always the same story: China supports its allies without regard for justice or human rights. No wonder they are criticized worldwide for their lack of impartiality."
A few users went as far as calling for boycotts against Israel and its products in solidarity with Palestine, posting images of empty shelves with a message saying, "Let's boycott Israeli goods together. We will not buy from an enemy that kills innocent people." However, these inflammatory remarks were countered by others who argued for peaceful solutions and diplomatic actions rather than radical measures like boycotts.
In conclusion, President Xi Jinping's attendance at the BRICS summit has sparked intense discussions on Chinese social media platforms, with Weibo netizens showcasing a wide range of reactions. While some expressed hope in China's potential influence in resolving the conflict, others were critical of the country's diplomatic stance and relationships with its allies. Regardless of the differing opinions, it is evident that the global community remains deeply concerned about the Israel-Palestine situation and awaits President Xi Jinping's crucial speech on November 21.