A more balanced approach

Xi's four-point proposal on Palestinian question demonstrates Beijing's willingness to play a positive role in promoting peace

China is hosting both the Palestinian and Israeli leaders this week as part of its Middle East diplomacy. President Xi Jinping welcomed his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing on Monday, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Shanghai, the first stop of a five-day visit, which brought him to Beijing on Wednesday.

It is unprecedented to see the leaders of Palestine and Israel visiting China at the same time, and Western media outlets were quick to suggest that China is going to play a greater role in Middle East affairs in order to expand its influence in the region.