Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has declared at the UN Security Council that Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people and should not be used as a bargaining tool for political negotiations. He emphasized the importance of a two-state solution and underscored the necessity of ensuring Palestinian governance in Gaza post-war. As China holds the presidency of the UN Security Council this February, Wang Yi chaired the session. This statement from China also signals opposition to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal.

On Wednesday, China expressed its approval of the phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. According to Anadolu Agency, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated in Beijing that the country is pleased to see continued communication and dialogue between Russia and the United States on various international issues. Earlier, both Presidents had agreed on halting the war, with Donald Trump also hinting that a meeting between the two leaders could take place in Saudi Arabia soon.

The ongoing trade war between the world’s two largest economies continues as China enforces retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods starting Monday. The U.S. had earlier imposed a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, prompting China to respond with import duties on selected American products. China has recently imposed a 15% tariff on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a 10% duty on other U.S. goods. In a related move, Chinese regulators have launched an antitrust investigation into Google and placed PVH Corp. on an “unreliable entity” list.

A devastating landslide struck Sichuan Province, China, at 11:50 AM local time on February 8, burying ten houses and leaving over 30 people missing. Approximately 200 residents have been evacuated, and authorities have warned of ongoing landslide risks in the area. Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed officials to prioritize search and rescue efforts, minimize casualties, and implement necessary post-disaster measures. Rescue teams have already recovered two survivors. Additionally, China has allocated 30 million yuan for disaster relief efforts this year.

China has pledged to take countermeasures against the 10% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese imports but has not escalated tensions immediately. Unlike the confrontational approach seen during Trump’s first term, Beijing’s response remains measured. On Sunday, China condemned the US move while signaling openness to negotiations to prevent further deterioration of trade relations. The measured stance suggests China aims to balance retaliation with diplomacy, keeping the possibility of resolution through talks or a challenge in the WTO.