Abbas, Netanyahu visits highlight China's Middle East efforts

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Friday that China's reception of Palestinian and Israeli leaders has demonstrated its constructive manner in promoting a resolution for issues concerning the Middle East.

The reception of both leaders is part of the country's efforts to promote peace talks between Palestine and Israel, as well as maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, Hua said at a daily press briefing.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas paid a state visit to China from May 5 to 7 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid an official visit to China as a guest of Premier Li Keqiang from May 6 to 10.

During their visits, President Xi Jinping made a four-point proposal for the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Palestine and Israel have welcomed China to play a bigger role in promoting peace talks, Hua said.

The Palestinian side said Xi's proposal and China's mediating efforts reflect the great importance that the new Chinese government has attached to the dispute.

Palestine appreciates China's objective and just stance towards the issue, as well as its firm support for Palestine's independence, according to Hua.

Israel appreciates China's efforts to promote the peace process and has expressed willingness to achieve peace through dialogue, Hua said.

As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China will continue to work with the international community to facilitate peace talks and promote the peace process, Hua said.

"China hopes Palestine and Israel will cooperate with the peacemaking efforts of the international community and take concrete measures to resume peace talks and produce substantive results," she said.

China's leaders also exchanged views with the two countries' leaders on developing bilateral relations and signed a number of agreements with both sides, Hua said.