China says Israel has right to self defence, reiterates calls for ceasefire

China’s foreign minister said Israel had the right to defend itself in a call with his Israeli counterpart Monday, but “should abide by international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians”.

The remarks acknowledging Israel’s right to self defence are a step up for Beijing, which has called the lack of justice for Palestinians the ‘crux’ of the conflict, after Hamas 7 October attack on Israel.

China's foreign minister Wang Yi also spoke Monday with his Palestinian counterpart, Riyad al-Maliki, where he reaffirmed Beijing’s support for a ceasefire and preventing forced displacement of Palestinians.

Yi is set to travel to Washington this week to meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.