China at the World Court: Palestinians have the right to ‘armed struggle’ against Israelis

On the fourth day of public hearings at the International Court of Justice on Palestinian representatives’ accusation that Israel is creating a permanent and illegal occupation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, China argues that Palestinians have the right to engage in “armed struggle” against Israel.

Taking to the stand ahead of Iran, Ma Xinmin, a Chinese Foreign Ministry legal adviser, argues that “in pursuit of the right to self-determination” the Palestinian people have the right to the “use of force to resist foreign oppression and to complete the establishment of the Palestinian state.”

Citing examples of “various people [who] freed themselves from colonial rule” through armed resistance, he argues that acts of violence against Israelis by Palestinians are not terrorism but rather legitimate armed struggle.

“Numerous other resolutions recognize the legitimacy of struggle by all available means including armed struggle by people under colonial domination or foreign occupation to realize the right of self-determination,” Ma tells the ICJ.