Two-state solution only way to resolve Palestine-Israel conflict: former Lebanese PM

The two-state solution is the only path to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, former Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab said in an interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Guangzhou, southern China’s Guangdong Province.

The two-state solution refers to a proposed framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, aiming to establish two independent states -- Israel and Palestine -- coexisting in peace and security.

"I believe the core of the conflict is the fact that we have people -- the Palestinians -- that have suffered for almost eight decades, and that are probably the only people in the world today that are under siege, being attacked, being killed. I don't see any other solution other than giving them their own state with 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as their capital, which was what was presented in the Arab Summit 22 years ago in 2002. And the 22 Arab countries were ready to sign a peace treaty based on that condition that the Palestinians will have their own state, their own dignity, their own homeland. And this has not happened since," Diab said in the interview aired on Friday.

Resolving the Palestinian question and achieving lasting peace in the Middle East requires the concerted efforts of the entire international community, including major powers like China, Diab noted.

"It's about global balance of power. So, China, being a major player at the global level, can contribute towards a peace resolution, and they have done that before. But everybody needs an end to this conflict, and the only way to end this conflict is to create a Palestinian state for Palestinians. The two-state solution -- I think, it's only fair -- to have Palestinians have their own state and determine their own future without dictation by anybody," he said.

The former Lebanese leader highlighted China's long-standing ties with Lebanon and the Middle East, emphasizing its proactive and fair role in regional affairs. He noted China's historical connections with the region and its potential contribution to achieving a political resolution, including the widely discussed two-state solution.

"China has always been a friend to Lebanon and a friend to the Middle East. There are Lebanese-Chinese ties from a long time ago at the trade level and so on. And yes, China is playing a proactive role even at the political level. China, as a fair player, would, in my mind, be conducive to reaching the political solution and the two-state solution that everybody talks about," Diab said.

Two-state solution only way to resolve Palestine-Israel conflict: former Lebanese PM

An increasing number of Malaysian students are choosing to pursue their academic dreams in China - becoming not just scholars, but also cultural ambassadors who strengthen the bonds between the two nations.

Among them is Dai Zunyu, a Malaysian student currently pursuing her master's degree at the Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an, the capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, which also served as the capital of 13 ancient dynasties.

Dai, who began learning Chinese in childhood, says her fascination with the language and culture brought her to China seven years ago, and the journey has been inspiring.

"Xi'an has a history of 3,000 years. So, as soon as I arrived, I went to see the Terracotta Warriors with my family. Over time, my interest expanded from history to geography. Besides Xi'an, I've also visited Shanghai, Nanjing, and Chengdu. For the upcoming Labor Day holiday, I plan to explore Chongqing," Dai said.

Over the years, Dai's Mandarin skills have improved significantly, and her travels across China have deepened her understanding and appreciation of the country's vast landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

As China becomes increasingly prominent on the world stage, it is also attracting more young Malaysians. Dai often finds herself approached by peers eager to learn what it's like to study and live in China.

"I like sharing stories about international student life with them. I believe there are great opportunities for personal development in China, especially in my field, brain-computer interface technology. China is a very excellent place to study this. More importantly, China's global influence and positive image inspire a sense of aspiration among Malaysians, which motivates many to come here," said Dai.

Today, more Malaysian students are choosing China as a destination not only to acquire cutting-edge knowledge but also to engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchange. As they chase their dreams, they are also helping build bridges between people in the two neighboring countries.

Malaysian students in China build bridges for cross-cultural exchange