During Mao Zedong's leadership, Chinese foreign policy was generally supportive of Third World national liberation movements, including the Palestinian cause.

Israel also welcomed the formation of the Special Envoy position, recognizing that the Arab states had an appreciation for what they perceived to be more the balanced posture of China.

[3] As of 2022, China has had five special envoys: Wang Shijie (2002 to 2006), Sun Bigan (2006 to 2009), Wu Sike (2009 to 2014), Gong Xiaosheng (2014 to 2019), and Zhai Jun (beginning in 2019).

[8] Wang's proposal expressly advocated for the road map for peace process, overtly criticized Israel's actions toward Palestinians, and dropped the emphasis on regional development.

[8] In Wang's departure speech from the position, he stated, "Talking about any regret in my tenure, I should say that over three years no satisfactory process has yet been achieved and the Palestinian and Israeli people are still suffering a lot.

[12] Although the focus of the position continued to the peace process, Wu also sought to address the conflict in Syria and a number of other issues in the region.

"[15] Beginning in 2015, Gong began highlighting the economic development of China's Belt and Road Initiative as a contribution to the peace process.