China Tells Israel to Stop West Bank Settlements, While Its Own Rights Record Draws Scrutiny

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A Message Delivered on the Sidelines

Wang met Herzog on the margins of the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), a pan-Asian forum. Wang attended as President Xi Jinping's special representative.

According to China's foreign ministry, Wang told Herzog that Israel should stop and reverse its "forced establishment" of settlements in the West Bank. He also said China sees the Palestinian question as the greatest historical injustice of this century.

Wang called the two-state solution the right path to a settlement. He said the immediate priority is opening access to Gaza fully, so that a humanitarian catastrophe does not spread. He added that China is ready to work with the international community to bring all sides back to talks.

Herzog's office gave a different emphasis. It said the talks covered bilateral ties, with a focus on trade, economic and cultural links. Herzog also raised the threat from Iran and its proxy groups.

What Is Happening on the Ground

Settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law by most of the world. Israel disputes this view.

The issue has sharpened this year. In February, Israel's security cabinet approved measures that make it easier for Israelis to buy land in the territory. They also shift some building-permit powers in Hebron from the Palestinian Authority to Israel.

In late September, a senior UN official told the Security Council that Israeli authorities had advanced or approved nearly 4,570 housing units in the West Bank's Area C. Another 3,515 units were approved in East Jerusalem between June 13 and September 18. He warned that the so-called E1 plan near Jerusalem would effectively cut the northern West Bank off from the south.

Washington's Position

The United States has also spoken out against annexation. President Donald Trump told the news site Axios in February that he is against it. A White House official said a stable West Bank is in line with the administration's goal of peace in the region.

Trump's 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan also mentions a pathway toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The U.S. ambassador to the UN recently warned that destabilizing moves in the West Bank could undermine that plan.

Critics argue that U.S. statements have not stopped Israeli expansion on the ground. The administration has so far relied on diplomatic pressure rather than punitive steps.

A Divided Summit

The summit itself was tense. According to the Iranian-aligned news agency WANA, 13 of the 28 attending delegations left the hall during Herzog's speech. They included Iran, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and Indonesia. This count comes from a single outlet and has not been confirmed elsewhere.

The gathering still ended with a joint Baku Declaration and the admission of Laos as a new member. Azerbaijan's chairmanship was extended for two more years.

Background: Beijing's Credibility Question

China presents itself as a champion of the Palestinian cause. Yet it keeps close ties with Iran, Israel's main regional rival, and pursues its own economic interests in the region.

Beijing's own record also invites scrutiny. U.S. State Department reports have documented the CCP's campaign against Falun Gong (also called Falun Dafa). This peaceful spiritual practice, built on truthfulness, compassion and forbearance, has been banned in China since July 1999. The same reports describe wider pressure on Uyghur Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists and Christians.

Critics say a government that restricts religious freedom at home is poorly placed to lecture others on justice. Beijing rejects such criticism as interference in its internal affairs.

Outlook

China is unlikely to have much direct leverage over Israeli settlement policy. Its statements mainly serve to position Beijing as a mediator and a voice for the developing world.

The decisive pressure will probably come from Washington and from Israel's own politics. Whether the Trump administration's opposition to annexation turns into concrete action remains the key question for the two-state idea.

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Sources

1. Reuters, "China says Israel should stop its 'forced establishment' of West Bank settlements" (Oct 16, 2026): https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-says-israel-should-stop-its-forced-establishment-west-bank-settlements-2026-10-16/
2. The Jerusalem Post, "China pledges continued support for Palestinians, pushes for two-state solution": https://www.jpost.com/international/article-911833
3. JNS, "Herzog meets with Chinese foreign minister in Azerbaijan": https://www.jns.org/news/israel-news/herzog-meets-with-chinese-foreign-minister-in-azerbaijan
4. Euronews, "Azerbaijan hosts rare summit of both converging and opposing Middle East and Asian leaders": https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/15/azerbaijan-hosts-rare-summit-of-both-converging-and-opposing-middle-east-and-asian-leaders
5. Global Times, "7th CICA Summit concludes, Baku Declaration adopted": https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202610/1372377.shtml
6. WANA, "Iran and 12 Other Delegations Walk Out of CICA Summit During Herzog's Speech": https://wanaen.com/iran-and-12-other-delegations-walk-out-of-cica-summit-during-herzogs-speech/
7. The National, "US opposes Israeli annexation of West Bank and warns it could derail Trump peace plan" (Sept 28, 2026): https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2026/09/28/us-opposes-israeli-annexation-of-west-bank-and-warns-it-could-derail-trump-peace-plan/
8. The Times of Israel, "Trump stresses opposition to annexation after Israel takes steps to expand West Bank grip": https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-stresses-opposition-to-annexation-after-israeli-steps-to-expand-west-bank-grip/
9. CNN, "Israel tightens grip on West Bank ahead of Netanyahu's visit to US": https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/08/middleeast/israel-netanyahu-west-bank-dc-intl
10. Voice of America, "25 Years of PRC Persecution of Falun Gong": https://editorials.voa.gov/a/years-of-prc-persecution-of-falun-gong/7714124.html
11. Chinese Foreign Ministry (via consulate), "Wang Yi to Attend CICA Summit…" (Oct 12, 2026): https://vancouver.china-consulate.gov.cn/eng/zgxw/202610/t20261012_12038574.htm

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