China supports Palestinian UN bid

China on Wednesday announced its support for Palestine''s plans to seek full membership in the United Nations next month, Chinese news agency (Xinhua) reported. "We understand, respect and support Palestine''s plan to submit the issue to the UN." foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told to media. Jiang underscored China's support for the Palestinian people''s efforts to regain their legitimate rights. She said that seeking an independent statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people, which can create a foundation for peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel and help create lasting peace and security in the Middle East. The Palestinians will formally submit their request for UN membership to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on September 20 when world leaders begin gathering in New York for the 66th session of the General Assembly. Jiang''s comments came days after Palestine confirmed that its leader Mahmud Abbas is due to present a bid for full UN membership before the UN General Assembly on September 20. China also supports Palestine''s desire to strike a balance between establishing itself and seeking peaceful resolutions to the conflicts. China recognizes Palestine as a country with east Jerusalem as its capital and possessing full sovereignty and independence, in accordance with borders agreed upon in 1967. Jiang said.