China Jumps to Save Hamas

Despite growing Chinese investment in Israel’s economy, China has clearly demonstrated that its interest in Israel is purely instrumental and subordinate to its global ambitions of supplanting the United States on the world stage. Since October 7, China has calculated it can better advance that strategic agenda by siding with Hamas and Iran. Thus, Beijing has steadfastly op-posed Israel’s legitimate and necessary efforts to destroy Hamas, repeatedly blamed Israel for the ensuing war, and attempted to legitimize Hamas by meeting with its representatives.

As the war in Gaza continues, the United States should work to contrast itself with China’s fair-weather friendship toward Israel by firmly supporting Israel’s military efforts to destroy Hamas. When the conflict winds down, however, Israel will need to come to terms with China’s pernicious ambitions and the risks of continuing to do business with Beijing.