Schumer Expresses 'Disappointment' at Beijing's Israel-Gaza Response

Facts

• On Monday, US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was “disappointed” in China’s response to Hamas’ Saturday attack on Israel, urging the state to “condemn the cowardly and vicious attacks” during a visit to Beijing.¹
• On Saturday, Hamas fired over 3K missiles into Israel as part of an attack that is known to have killed over 700 people so far, while at least 130 have been kidnapped. In response, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the state was 'at war,' retaliating with Tel Aviv's own missiles that have left over 400 dead in the Gaza Strip.²
• Schumer made the comments to Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation visiting Asia. The majority leader directed his disappointment towards Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s statement regarding the attacks, after Wang and the delegation had met earlier in the day.³
• China’s foreign ministry claimed on Sunday that it was “deeply saddened” by the escalation between Hamas and Israel. Beijing also urged all parties to end the hostilities and recommended a “two-state solution” that would establish “an independent State of Palestine.”⁴
• Schumer described the statement as lacking “sympathy or support for Israel during these troubled times.” Despite this, the majority leader thanked Beijing for “frank but productive communication,” presenting the visit as an attempt to “more accurately understand China.”⁵
• Following a meeting between Schumer and Xi later on Monday, China's Foreign Ministry issued a strengthened statement condemning 'all violence and attacks on civilians' in Israel and the Gaza Strip, adding that 'the most urgent task now is to reach a ceasefire and restore peace.'⁶

Sources: ¹Reuters, ²The independent, ³Time, ⁴Voa, ⁵Al Jazeera and ⁶The hill.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Npr online news. Schumer has been honest and upfront in his communication with China, speaking straightforwardly with Beijing's leaders on topics such as Israel-Hamas, fentanyl, Russia-Ukraine, and the protection of human rights. Both China and the US are making steps towards clearer communication and — despite plenty of mistrust, alongside a stern message sent by the American delegation — there is now an opportunity for the resumption of positive ties between the two nations.
• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Chinadaily. It's too early to say whether US-China relations are improving, however this US delegation visit is an opportunity for America to realize their mistake in perceiving China as an existential threat. Washington's portrayal of China is often very different to the reality, but there is hope that this week's discussions will be constructive for Schumer's team to make a real change in American politics by avoiding misjudgments within much-needed communications.

Predictions