China deplores US sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials

BEIJING -- China is shocked at the U.S. sanctions on Palestinian Authority (PA) officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday.

"The US move is disappointing and incomprehensible, without regard for the international community's efforts in promoting peace," Guo said at a regular news briefing.

The US Department of State has announced sanctions that deny visas to PA officials and PLO members, accusing them of taking actions to "internationalize its conflict with Israel" and "continuing to support terrorism, including incitement and glorification of violence."

The Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East issue, which concerns international fairness and justice. Currently, the Palestinian question is at a critical historical point, Guo said.

The international community, especially the United States, should adhere to a fair, just, and responsible attitude, effectively implement relevant UN resolutions, and make active efforts to promote the proper resolution of the Palestinian question, rather than do the opposite, he said.

China supports the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights, and supports the effective administration of all Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank, by the PA, he said.

He added that China backs the comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question based on the two-state solution.