Text: Zhang Haoran
Edit| According to the snow under the jade pass
Recently, China and France have sent a strong signal on the international arena to demand that Israel immediately cease fire and strictly abide by UN resolutions. The move has sparked a global debate, with speculation about whether it means a major change is on the horizon for Israel.
At the same time, however, the U.S. government appears unusually isolated. Its traditional unwavering support for Israel seems to have pale at this critical juncture. This has put the United States in an unprecedented predicament in this international political turmoil, and has been nicknamed "lone wolf" by netizens.
The firm stance of China and France contrasts sharply with the isolation of the United States, making the Middle East crisis even more confusing. What exactly does the Sino-French Joint Statement say? Can you poke at Israel's soft underbelly? What kind of challenges does the United States face?
China and France recently issued a joint statement expressing their strong indignation at the violation of humanitarian principles under international law in an unprecedentedly firm tone.
The wording in the statement clearly points to certain Israeli military actions during the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which have not only resulted in numerous civilian casualties but also caused severe damage to local infrastructure, which has sparked widespread controversy and criticism around the world.
This firm position of China and France undoubtedly sends a clear signal to Israel that it must face tremendous pressure and challenges from the international community, especially the two permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Israel's military strategy, despite its purported self-defense and counter-terrorism, has often been criticized for its actions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the bombing of homes and public facilities.
The condemnation by China and France not only makes a moral and legal judgment of Israel's military action, but also puts forward a new demand for the impartiality of the international community, that is, the settlement of the conflict must be in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.
In the southern Palestinian city of Rafah, violent clashes have plunged the city into chaos. The Israeli army's actions trampled the city like iron hooves, and the explosions of shells and rockets were heard one after another, as if they were about to destroy the city's tranquility completely.
Palestinian civilians fled in terror, and the helpless cries of women and children were particularly heart-wrenching in the smoke of gunfire. Israel's move is seen by the outside world as part of its strategic plan to safeguard its national security and territorial integrity.
However, this action has drawn widespread criticism and backlash from the international community. In a joint statement, China and France clearly expressed their opposition to Israel's attack on Rafah and accused it of violating the basic human rights of the Palestinian people.
This position, which has the support of many countries and international organizations, has left Israel facing increasing isolation in international relations.
The Israeli government had thought that with the support of the United States and its strong military strength, it would be able to smoothly implement its strategic plan. However, things turned out unexpectedly.
The U.S. government is facing unprecedented pressures and challenges on this matter. As a staunch ally of Israel, the United States has always played an important role in international affairs.
However, the emergence of the Sino-French joint statement has put US foreign policy in a dilemma.
If the United States decides to openly side with Israel, it could exacerbate the gap between the United States and its European allies and even provoke resistance and hostility towards the United States on a global scale. This will not only damage the international reputation and interests of the United States, but may also pose a serious challenge to its economic security.
If the United States chooses to publicly criticize Israel, it risks angering the Jewish consortium and the pro-Israel voter base in the United States, which is undoubtedly a very risky gamble for the US government as it enters the election cycle.
Under these circumstances, the U.S. government appears unusually silent and hesitant. It does not dare to openly support Israel, nor does it want to give up its support for Israel completely.
This vacillating attitude has made the United States increasingly isolated in the international community. People are beginning to wonder whether the United States can still play a leading role in global affairs. Has it become a lone wolf?
Amid tensions in the Middle East, China and France have jointly called for an immediate ceasefire and the implementation of United Nations resolutions, an action that has placed an invisible yoke on Israel.
While Israel, as a powerful military power, may show tough resistance to such calls, the influence of China and France, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, should not be underestimated.
Their voices not only represent the universal expectations of the international community, but also imply a strong commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The Sino-French joint statement not only calls for a ceasefire, but also clearly expresses respect for UN resolutions, which sets clear boundaries for resolving conflicts within the framework of international law.
If Israel ignores these calls, it will face greater pressure from international public opinion and possible sanctions. This undoubtedly makes it more difficult for Israel to make decisions, leaving it in a dilemma between military action and diplomatic balance.
At the same time, the EU's delicate stance complicates US policy in the Middle East. EU member states have their own interests in the Middle East, and they do not want to act exactly according to the US script.
Sovereign states within the EU may lean towards a more independent and neutral stance, in contrast to the long-standing unwavering support of Israel by the United States. This polarization of the European Union may prompt the United States to reassess its policy in the Middle East to avoid further disagreements with its European allies.
In addition, the joint action of China and France also reveals the changing global power structure. As China's role in international affairs grows, the United States can no longer unilaterally dominate the Middle East peace process.
The U.S. government may find itself in a more cautious approach to its relations with the European Union and other international partners while defending Israel's interests, so as not to isolate itself.
In general, the appeal of China and France and the delicate position of the European Union together constitute a challenge to Israel and US policy in the Middle East.
This incident is not only about peace and stability in the Middle East, but also reflects the complex and delicate power game between global powers. As various forces wrestle, the future of the Middle East will become more uncertain.
Bibliography:
Sino-French Joint Statement on the Situation in the Middle East
Global Times: The joint statement between China and France embodies the call for justice