UPDATE 2 - China says it received invitation to join 'Board of Peace' on Gaza

UPDATES WITH ADDITIONAL NATIONS WHO RECEIVED INVITATION

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - China said on Tuesday that Washington has extended an invitation to join US President Donald Trump's “Board of Peace” on Gaza.

“China has received the invitation from the United States,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said in response to a question about participation in the international body.

When asked during a news conference in Beijing whether China would accept the invitation, Guo said he had no further information to add.

The White House last week announced the formation of the Board of Peace, saying it will “play an essential role in fulfilling” the 20 points of Trump’s plan to permanently end Israel’s war on Gaza and rebuild the enclave, as well as “providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.”

Trump administration has invited many foreign leaders, including those from Arab, Asian, and Western nations, to join the board.

The US also established the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to implement phase two of Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, along with a founding Executive Board, and a Gaza Executive Board in support of the NCAG.

Apart from China, Trump has also invited several other countries from the region to join the "Board of Peace", including Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, and India.

Singapore’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday told The Straits Times that the country has also received an invitation to join the board.

South Korean Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that Trump has also invited South Korea to join the board, with Seoul's potential participation is "under review," according to Yonhap News.

Separately, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told parliament Tuesday that Kuala Lumpur will take a “cautious stance” on “Board of Peace,” citing concerns that “attacks by the Zionist Israeli regime persist,” according to state-run Bernama News.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has also received the invitation to join the board, Tokyo’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday, according to Kyodo News.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has also been invited to Trump’s “Board of Peace,” Radio New Zealand reported.

Indonesia has also received an invitation from Trump to join the board, according to Bloomberg.