Beijing’s alleged friendship with Israel seems to be nonexistent, especially in light of recent events. Following the brutal terrorist attack over the weekend, China has shown solidarity with Hamas, indicating that its interests in the Middle East align with those of Iran.
In its various statements about the violence, the Chinese foreign ministry has deliberately avoided using terms such as “Hamas” or “terrorism.”
China refuses to acknowledge the attack on Israel and instead focuses on calling for all parties to exercise restraint and end the hostilities.
China’s support for Hamas allows the group to continue its iron-fisted rule in Gaza while Israelis mourn their dead.
While not directly influenced by the Chinese Communist Party, a network in China promotes anti-Israel and pro-Hamas narratives in the United States. BreakThrough News, a publication linked to this network, has connections to an American businessman who shares office space with a propaganda organization in Shanghai and participates in Chinese Communist Party forums on global propaganda initiatives.
BreakThrough News has described Hamas’ acts of terror as a “unprecedented military operation launched by a broad coalition of Palestinian resistance factions.”
Although there may not be direct guidance from the Chinese Communist Party, it is comfortable with narratives critical of the United States and American alliances, as it contributes to an information environment that benefits Iran and China’s other illiberal partners.
Despite China’s eagerness to align with Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had plans to visit China this month, raising questions about Beijing’s sudden change of heart.
While China values Israel for its wealth and technology-driven economy, it prioritizes Iran’s vast energy resources and disruptive tendencies.
China struck a secretive deal with Iran two years ago, pledging an investment of $400 billion over 25 years.
Iran has long been Hamas’ primary patron, a fact known to Beijing.
In an unexpected move, Iran has also become a patron of Russia, providing arms for the war in Ukraine.
Before the conflict, China and Russia released a joint statement affirming their “no limits” friendship and denouncing those who deny the atrocities committed by Nazi aggressors.
Shortly after, Russian tanks invaded Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin declaring a “special military operation” to “denazify” the country.
Hamas, in its charter, also accuses Jewish people of engaging in “Zionist Nazi activities.”
China’s alliance with Hamas may be a simple choice based on siding with evil.
Michael Mazza is a nonresident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior nonresident fellow at the Global Taiwan Institute.
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