China strengthens ties with Palestine through strategic partnership and support for statehood.

China has established a "strategic partnership" with the Palestinian Authority during a visit to Beijing by PA President Mahmoud Abbas, marking another step in China's campaign to gain political and economic influence in the Middle East. China is seeking energy resources and markets for its military and civilian exports, while promoting its version of authoritarian government in a joint challenge with Russia to the Western-led democratic world order. The financial details of the partnership were not immediately released.