Despite over a decade of growing economic ties, China has revealed itself to not only be against Israel in the current war but has indeed ramped up its rhetoric in favor of the Palestinians, refusing to condemn Hamas in the UN and even repeatedly mentioning the importance of the Right of Return of Palestinian refugees and their descendants into Israel, which would demographically overwhelm the country.
The news site Ynet published an analysis showing that China has doubled down and escalated its pro-Palestinian rhetoric since October 7, taking a stridently pro-Palestinian line and even supporting the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants.
All this comes despite over a decade of growing economic ties, including growing trade and Chinese ownership of strategic Israeli assets, such as the operation of the port of Haifa.
Some of those Ynet spoke to pin the blame for this on Prime Minister Netanyahu's desire for strategic and economic autonomy in the face of BDS and a hostile Obama administration, though it should be noted that until recently, all of the west including the United States, was not focused on China as a threat and saw it as he did - as a source of economic investment and pragmatic thinking.
