China Establishes Strategic Partnership With Palestinian Authority, Eyes Larger Role in Middle East

China and the Palestinian Authority announced a bilateral strategic partnership during a visit by PA President Mahmoud Abbas to Beijing.
China is seeking to expand its political and economic influence in the Middle East, competing with the United States.
China is looking to secure energy resources and new markets for its exports while promoting its authoritarian model of government.
China suggested it could help revive stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians and proposed a three-part plan for a two-state solution.
China's hosting of recent talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia boosted its standing as a potential mediator in the region's long-running conflicts.