Israel's Assassination of Hamas Leader Condemned by CCP

Aug 01, 2024

On July 31, 2023, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, prompting a strong diplomatic reaction from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the event, stating that it would further destabilize the region. At a routine press conference, Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed China’s firm opposition and condemnation of the assassination and voiced deep concern over the potential for increased regional turmoil. In response to Haniyeh’s death, several Chinese websites turned his Wikipedia page gray as a mark of mourning. This gesture sparked significant controversy within China, with some netizens questioning why a figure recognized as a terrorist by many countries was being mourned.

This act of mourning not only reflects the CCP’s support for Hamas but also reveals the CCP’s double standards on international terrorism. On one hand, the CCP claims to fight terrorism, yet on the other hand, it mourns a leader of a group widely recognized as a terrorist organization, which is undoubtedly a mockery of international counterterrorism efforts.

Hamas is a Palestinian militant organization designated as a terrorist group by multiple countries. However, in China, the death of Hamas leader Haniyeh has sparked “widespread” sympathy and mourning. This phenomenon reflects the complex relationship between the CCP and Hamas. The CCP’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been a focal point of attention. Although the CCP officially emphasizes resolving disputes through negotiation and dialogue, in reality, it has shown a clear inclination to support the Palestinians, including Hamas, in the conflict. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and hostage-taking incidents. Israel responded with strong military retaliation, exacerbating regional tensions.

The CCP’s double standards on international terrorism are glaringly evident. While the CCP claims to be a staunch supporter of counterterrorism, using this stance to suppress domestic dissent and minority groups, it simultaneously shows sympathy and support for terrorist organizations like Hamas. These double standards not only undermine the CCP’s credibility in the international community but also render its counterterrorism efforts hypocritical and ineffective.

The CCP’s Hypocritical Mediation

The CCP’s role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is far from commendable. Despite its attempts to broker reconciliation among Palestinian factions, this is merely a means for the CCP to showcase its so-called image as a “responsible major power” on the international stage. The reconciliation process within Palestine is complex and challenging, and the CCP’s involvement has made no substantial contribution. Haniyeh’s death further exposes the CCP’s impotence in this process.

The CCP’s Diplomatic Strategy

The CCP’s diplomatic strategy in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involves promoting regional peace through mediation and dialogue. However, Haniyeh’s assassination has complicated the CCP’s mediation role. The CCP invited representatives from fourteen Palestinian factions to Beijing for negotiations and signed the “Beijing Declaration,” but the death of the Hamas leader has cast a shadow over these efforts.

Public Opinion on Social Media

After Haniyeh’s assassination, many users on Chinese social media expressed their condolences for him and their dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions. Whenever an important political leader or public figure passes away, Baidu Baike turns their relevant page gray as a sign of mourning. Chinese social media users noticed that Haniyeh’s Baike page had been grayed out on several Chinese websites, including Baidu, 360 Search, and Sogou. This phenomenon is not isolated; over the past few years, countries and forces opposing the United States have received widespread support on Chinese social media. For example, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Venezuelan President Maduro have both garnered support from Chinese netizens.

This trend in public opinion not only reflects domestic nationalist sentiment but also serves as a tool for the CCP to manipulate public opinion in support of its diplomatic strategy. By controlling the media and the internet, the CCP shapes the domestic public’s perception of international affairs, thereby providing justification for its actions on the international stage. This approach not only distorts the truth but also undermines the Chinese public’s objective understanding of international events.

The CCP’s support for Hamas is evident not only in its official stance but also in the public opinion shaped on Chinese social media. Since the CCP came to power in 1949, it has consistently shown sympathy and support for the Palestinians in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This stance has become more apparent in recent years, particularly in the conflict between Hamas and Israel. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of more than 250 hostages. Israel responded with strong military action, further escalating regional tensions.

The CCP government’s official attitude and the public opinion on social media often influence each other. While Chinese social media users expressed condolences for Haniyeh’s death, they also voiced strong dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions. In its response to the incident, the CCP government not only showed sympathy for Haniyeh but also criticized Israel’s military actions. At a routine press conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the CCP firmly opposes and condemns acts of assassination and is deeply concerned about the potential for further regional instability.