Mahmoud Abbas completed a trip to China last week, just before Antony Blinken came in. Abbas’ visit showed that the PA is finally recognizing the futility of looking to the U.S. for support in obtaining Palestinian rights, although this realization has come far too late.
Even that was tainted by Abbas’ decision to offer unqualified support for China’s treatment of minorities, particularly the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Whatever political games are being played. Abbas still doesn’t recognize that Palestine is not like other countries. Other Arab states can barter principles to pursue their interests. Palestine has nothing but its principles. Selling out other Muslims, especially given how little China can really do for Palestine at this stage, is foolhardy. This piece in Mondoweiss explains.