Three reasons behind rare China-Hamas meeting in Qatar
From the location to the timing and the messaging, the China-Hamas meeting on Sunday underscored Beijing's messaging and approach to the Gaza war without, however, elevating its role to a broker in the conflict.
You're reading an excerpt from Al-monitor's China-Middle East Briefing, a weekly newsletter dedicated to understanding Beijing's growing influence and regional rise. To read the full newsletter, sign up here.
The ancient Chinese proverb “listen to all, plucking a feather from every passing goose, but follow no one” can be a guiding principle in understanding the Hamas-China meeting that took place in Doha on Sunday.
The meeting saw the head of the group's political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, receive Chinese diplomat Kejian Wang at the end of a regional tour undertaken by the Chinese emissary.
As Beatrice Farhat reports, this is the first such high-level meeting for Hamas with Chinese officials since the Gaza war. The Times of London called it “unprecedented.”
Subscribe for unlimited access
All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more
Continue reading this article for free
Access 1 free article per month when you sign up. Learn more.
By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in