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PRC throws weight behind Palestinian unity government

"China will consistently support the Palestinian people's pursuit of justice."

--- Sun Bigan, China's envoy to the Middle East

China has thrown its weight behind the Palestinian unity government, a move that reinforces the Middle East territory's bid to win recognition for its new ruling body.

Sun Bigan (孫必干), China's envoy to the Middle East, was visiting the region and met with Israeli and Palestinian officials, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres.

During a weekend meeting with Palestinian leaders, Sun "welcomed the founding of the Palestinian unity government and underscored that China consistently pays attention to the Middle East," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a brief statement posted on its Web site late on Monday.

He "reiterated that China will consistently support the Palestinian people's pursuit of justice and hopes all the Palestinian political forces will make utmost efforts to realize the goal of setting up an independent country under the leadership of Abbas," the ministry said.

While China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has no direct stake in the Mideast, it does have growing economic and political ties there and is keen on strengthening its image as a major global player.

The unity government, made up of the moderate Fatah movement and the Islamic militant Hamas group, was formed last month after the political rivals agreed to a power-sharing deal in an attempt to break an international boycott on the Hamas-led government.

The body was immediately recognized by Norway. Switzerland, which has dealt with Hamas in the past, said its policy had not changed. The US and EU have said they would meet only with non-Hamas members of the Cabinet.
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