Chinese Public Opinion on Israel
The Chinese public generally holds a positive and supportive view of Israel, especially among the intellectual and affluent classes. This support, while somewhat tempered by the escalation of the war, remains the prevailing sentiment. This stance is rooted in shared history, as both Chinese and Jewish people suffered persecution during World War II, and China provided aid to Jews. The Chinese also admire the Jewish people’s diligence and intelligence and believe they deserve fair treatment. The enduring friendship is further cemented by Israel’s past provision of advanced agricultural and sensitive military technologies (such as the J-10 fighter jet) to China during its weaker years—an act that the Chinese have not forgotten.
Chinese Public Opinion on Palestine and Related Organizations
While there is a widespread sympathy for the Palestinian people, the Chinese public has a strong dislike for Palestinian organizations like Fatah and Hamas, which they consider terrorist groups. The historical actions of Fatah in Jordan are often likened to the “farmer and the snake” fable. Hamas’s terrorist attack on the Israeli music festival was met with shock and anger in China. Consequently, there was broad public support for Israel’s resolve to eliminate Hamas. However, graphic images of women and children suffering in Gaza have led many to hope for restraint, with the general consensus being that Hamas is the main culprit. Some suggest that if Palestine wishes to fight Israel, it should challenge the Israeli Defense Forces head-on.
**Reasons for the Chinese Government’s Condemnation of Israel**
The growing antagonism between the US and China has placed Israel, with its special relationship with the US, in a position where it cannot align with China. This situation has compelled the Chinese government to support Arab and Islamic nations. Although the Chinese public dislikes Hamas, they hold a positive view of Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are considered friends of China. Pakistan, a quasi-ally, is also an Islamic nation. Therefore, the Chinese government’s tough stance on Israel is seen as a way to appease its friends. This position aligns with the principle that in international relations, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.
Despite the intense US-China rivalry, the Chinese public still remembers the help the US provided during World War II, honoring groups like the Flying Tigers, which aided China in its war against Japan. A road in Kunming is even named after them. The public sentiment suggests that current conflicts may one day become history, and the two nations could once again be friends.