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China’s Xi hosts Abbas, vows support for Palestinian state on 1967 borders

Xi used the word 'Palestine' as he welcomed Mahmoud Abbas on a visit that follows Beijing's offer to mediate peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Xi Jinping and Mahmoud Abbas

Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated on Wednesday China's support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the 1967 borders in a meeting with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing, further demonstrating Beijing's growing interest in the Middle East

“The fundamental solution to the Palestinian issue lies in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Xi was quoted as saying by Chinese state media.

The Chinese leader used the word "Palestine" in addressing further cooperation with the Palestinian Authority. "Facing unprecedented changes in the world and the new developments in the Middle East, China stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Palestine, and work for a comprehensive, just and durable solution of the Palestinian question at an early date," Xi told Abbas, China's state-run news outlet CGTN reported.

Abbas arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a three-day visit, and met with Xi on Wednesday. During their meeting, Xi endorsed the creation of a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to CGTN. China has long endorsed a two-state solution to the conflict, like much of the international community. 

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