Arab-Chinese forum rejects Israel’s annexation plan

AMMAN — The Amman Declaration, issued on Monday at the end of the ninth Arab-China States Cooperation Forum, stressed the rejection of Israeli plans to annex any part of the occupied Palestinian territory.

The declaration also considered the implementation of such measures as a "dangerous escalation" of the occupation's hostile policies, practices and a “clear violation of the rights of the Palestinian people”.

The final communiqué of the meeting, which was jointly headed by Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi held via videoconference, reiterated the importance of halting Israeli plans to safeguard international peace and security.

The communique also renewed the position of China and Arab states to continue supporting the Palestinian cause and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination, the establishment of an independent Palestine state on pre-1967 borders and the rights of return and compensation. 

China and the Arab countries also reiterated support to His Majesty King Abdullah's stances, in his capacity as Custodian of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

Both sides also highlighted the importance of enhancing the "strategic" Sino-Arab ties, which are based on comprehensive cooperation and common development, for a "better future".