China–Palestine relations

China–Palestine relations, also referred to as Sino–Palestinian relations, encompass the long bilateral relationship between China and Palestine dating back to the early years of the Cold War. China supports the creation of a "sovereign and independent Palestinian state" based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

During the era of Mao Zedong, China's foreign policy was in support of Third World national liberation movements, with China extending support towards the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). In this period, China supported both Fatah, and smaller militant organizations such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP). In the post-Mao era, China continued to support the PLO in international forums, though it dropped its support for militant organizations. China has recognized the State of Palestine since 1988 and was one of the first countries to do so. Since 1992, China also established formal diplomatic relations with Israel and has maintained a cordial relationship with both entities.

Palestinian leaders Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas both visited China in official capacities, and relations between the two countries have been considered as cordial. In an effort to maintain what it views as a balanced position and avoid alienating Hamas, China adheres to a policy of never referring to the group as a terrorist organization.