CHINA said today that it has established a “strategic partnership” with the Palestinian Authority during Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s visit to Beijing.

The announcement marked another step in China’s campaign to gain political and economic influence in the Middle East.

Beijing has long maintained diplomatic ties with the Palestinian Authority, and it appointed a special envoy to meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials.  

“We are good friends and partners,” Chinese President Xi Jinping told Mr Abbas at the start of their meeting.

“We have always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights.

“China is willing to strengthen co-ordination and co-operation with the Palestinian side to promote a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue as soon as possible,” he said.

Mr Abbas said his administration was “looking forward to strengthening co-operation with China within the framework of its initiative” and securing investment.