China has voiced strong condemnation of U.S. sanctions targeting Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization, labeling the move “shocking,” “disappointing,” and “incomprehensible. At a Beijing press briefing on August 1, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun urged the U.S. to uphold fairness, fulfill U.N. resolutions, and promote Palestinian statehood rather than undermine international peace efforts. He framed the Palestinian question as central to Middle East justice and warned that Washington’s sanctions would damage prospects for a two‑state solution.
The sanctions, announced by the U.S. State Department on July 31, involve visa denials for unnamed PA and PLO officials accused of obstructing peace by internationalizing the conflict through bodies like the ICC, violating their commitments under U.S. laws such as the PLO Commitments Compliance Act of 1989 and the Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2002. The U.S. framed the action as necessary to protect national security interests and counter alleged support for violence and incitement.
Beijing contrasted sharply with the West’s growing support for Palestinian statehood, urging Washington to take responsibility for implementing international frameworks rather than isolating Palestinian leadership. Guo reaffirmed China’s support for the Palestinian cause and its preference for a peaceful two‑state settlement. Meanwhile analysts note the sanctions risk deepening U.S. diplomatic rifts with European allies like Canada, France, and Britain, which have leaned toward formal Palestinian recognition.
