China and Palestine strengthen ties as Abbas unveils Arafat bust and backs Beijing's policies.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas unveiled a bust of former president Yasser Arafat in Beijing during a three-day official state visit to China. Abbas met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and discussed multiple issues with him, including efforts to mobilize international support for the Palestinian cause. The two leaders also agreed to establish a strategic partnership between China and the Palestinian Authority, signed several agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation, and discussed increased economic ties and Chinese investment in the West Bank.