China urges substantial progress on Middle East talk

Chinese special envoy to the Middle East Wu Sike (L) meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his Office in the West Bank city of Ramallah on March 9, 2014. (Xinhua/Fadi Arouri)

Visiting Chinese Special Envoy to the Middle East Wu Sike on Sunday urged Palestinians and Israelis to make efforts to achieve substantial progress in the ongoing peace talks.

After meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Wu told Xinhua that China is concerned about the obstacles facing the Mideast peace process, adding that China believes both Palestinians and Israelis should try every means to achieve progress.

"Palestinian leaders believe it's in Palestinians' interest to resume negotiations with Israel. So they are willing to adopt flexible positions on certain disputed issues," Wu said, adding that Palestinian leaders stressed the stance on core issues, such as sovereignty and the status of Jerusalem, would not change.

Wu also said China would continue its assistance for the economic development of the Palestinians, including enhancing expertise training, prompting the participation of Chinese companies in the infrastructure development, and the development of renewable energy.

Meanwhile, in a statement after his meeting with Wu, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami al-Hamdallah called on China to encourage Chinese companies to join a bid for petroleum exploration in the Palestinian territories.