Blinken says relations with China can be positive

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday said protests at US universities over Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip are a hallmark of American democracy. At the same time, he criticized the “silence” of protest participants regarding the Hamas group (an organization designated as terrorist in the US, UK and EU). About it reports “Voice of America”.

Last week, according to Reuters, police arrested about 550 people during protests at major US universities.

At a news conference in China on Friday, Blinken was asked whether he was taking protesters’ demands into account. Blinken responded by saying he understood the conflict had generated “strong, passionate feelings.” He stressed that the administration is “doing everything possible to stop the war.”

The US Secretary of State invited critics to focus their anger on Hamas militants, who triggered the war on October 7 with their attack on southern Israel. On that day, according to Israeli estimates, about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage.

According to Gaza Strip health authorities, Israel’s military response killed more than 34,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 77,000. On this pays attention “Voice of America”.

Blinken noted that there was no mention of Hamas, as if it were not part of the story at all. Israel is committed to ensuring that the events of October 7 never happen again. According to the US Secretary of State, Washington is trying to reduce the damage caused to innocent people so that they receive the help and support they need.

Antony Blinken, after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials in Beijing, said he discussed China’s ability to play a constructive role in global crises, including in the Middle East. According to him, China can dissuade Iran and its supporters from escalating the conflict.

The head of the State Department expressed hope that relations with China can be positive and will help try to reduce tensions and avoid the spread of conflict. “We agreed that we would continue to be in regular contact on this issue, and that certainly was my intention,” Blinken said.