U.S. Sanctions Prompt International Responses Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions

On July 31, the U.S. State Department announced that it would impose sanctions on officials from the Palestinian Authority (PA) and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The State Department's reasoning behind these sanctions is based on the belief that these officials are involved in actions aimed at internationalizing the ongoing conflict with Israel, through platforms such as the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. Furthermore, the U.S. accused these entities of continuing to support terrorism and inciting violence, emphasizing that it is in their national security interest to impose consequences and hold them accountable.

In response to these developments, Chinese spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed China's dismay over the U.S. actions against Palestinian leaders. Guo articulated that it is disappointing and perplexing that the U.S. dismisses the global pursuit of peace, insisting that the Palestinian issue is central to the wider Middle East conflict and reflects issues of international fairness and justice. He urged the international community, particularly the U.S., to act with a sense of responsibility and work towards a fair resolution in line with relevant U.N. resolutions.

Guo further affirmed China's support for Palestinian rights, stressing the importance of the PA having effective jurisdiction over all Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank. He reiterated the necessity of a comprehensive and enduring settlement of the Palestinian question based on the two-State solution and committed China's continued cooperation with the international community to achieve this goal.

In addition to addressing the Israel-Palestine sanctions, Guo also commented on various geopolitical issues, including the arrest of a Serbian official in Kosovo, expressing hope for his safe release, and denouncing recent cyberattacks supposedly launched by the U.S. against China. He characterized these actions as an indication of the U.S.'s status as the leading cyber threat to China, emphasizing the need for protection and cooperation in cybersecurity matters.

Moreover, discussing remarks made by Paraguayan officials regarding relations with Taiwan, Guo highlighted a growing sentiment within Paraguay advocating for improved ties with China, urging the government to act in the best interests of its people. Lastly, he reaffirmed China's stance against U.S. tariff policies, mentioning that trade wars have no victors and protectionism undermines the collective interests of all nations.