Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s attempts at global peacemaking are being tested by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Unlike his involvement in conflicts such as Ukraine and between Saudi Arabia and Iran, China’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict has been vague, without naming an aggressor or providing immediate assistance. China’s Foreign Ministry called for an independent Palestinian state and urged all parties to act with restraint, but did not mention Hamas or condemn their attacks on civilians. Israel criticized China’s response for not addressing the violence by terrorists. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also expressed disappointment with China’s lack of sympathy for Israel. Experts argue that China’s limited involvement in the Middle East conflicts undermines its aspirations as a global player. Xi had previously taken credit for brokering a detente between Iran and Saudi Arabia and expressed willingness to play an active role in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, China’s efforts are seen as a way to offset criticism over its inaction in Ukraine-Russia. China’s trade relationship with Israel, valued at $22.1 billion, forces it to balance its ties between Israel and other Middle Eastern nations. China’s neutrality in the Israel-Hamas conflict may help facilitate conversations at the upcoming Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, which will be attended by leaders from the Arab world and Russia. However, it also reflects China’s limited ability to influence Israel, as Israel has no incentive to invite China to broker any agreements.