Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 6, 2013. Photo: Xinhua

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Beijing on Sunday to begin a state visit that will last until May 7. Abbas is visiting China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. This is the first visit of a Middle East leader to China since China overhauled its leadership. Prior to the visit, Abbas said he would inform the Chinese leaders about obstacles to the Palestine-Israel peace and ask China to support the Palestinian government’s efforts.