How China Uses the Israel–Hamas Conflict to Reshape Global Politics

Why Beijing sees the war as a golden opportunity to advance its own long-term goals.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C) poses for a group picture with members of the Palestinian factions during the signing of the "Beijing Declaration" at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on July 23, 2024. Pedro Pardo/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Commentary

When the war between Israel and Hamas broke out, the world’s attention was fixed on the immediate crisis. For the first few days, the world’s focus and sympathies were with the Israeli victims. But within a week or so, the world’s empathy quickly shifted toward the people living in Gaza and in the cause of Hamas.