China says Trump plan to move embassy in Israel could spark 'new hostility'
BEIJING – China expressed concern on Wednesday about President Donald Trump's reported intention to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocate the US Embassy to the ancient city, saying it could spark new hostility.
The endorsement of Israel's claim to all of Jerusalem as its capital would reverse long-standing US policy that the city's status must be decided in negotiations with the Palestinians, who want East Jerusalem as capital of their future state.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular news briefing that the status of Jerusalem was a complicated and sensitive issue and China was concerned the US decision "could sharpen regional conflict".
"All parties should do more for the peace and tranquility of the region, behave cautiously, and avoid impacting the foundation for resolving the long-standing Palestine issue and initiating new hostility in the region," Geng said.
