China is always concerned about the situation in the Middle East, and will continue to offer extra support to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip depending on circumstances, Chinese special envoy for the Middle East Sun Bigan said on Tuesday.

China was concerned about the situation in the Middle East since Israel launched military operation in the Gaza Strip at the end of last year, Sun said, adding the crisis not only brought suffering to people there but also caused the entire suspension of the Middle East peace process.

China maintained sound relations with the Arab countries, while also witnessing friendship with Israel, though the two countries had not had established ties for a long period, he said. China forged diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992.

China always supports Palestinian cause for restoring their legitimate national rights, he said.

China offered US$1 million cash in emergency humanitarian aid as soon as possible for Palestine on January1 after the conflict broke out in Gaza.

China will offer extra aid depending on the circumstances, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2009)