China calls on the international community to uphold its commitment to peace, actively promote peace negotiations and seek a return to diplomatic means in resolving disputes, China's special envoy said after concluding his trip to the Middle East.
Zhai Jun, the Chinese government's special envoy for the Middle East, said during a press conference that he had explained China's position to regional countries during his trip.
„This is a war that should not have happened,“ he said, referring to the fact that while the people of the Middle East countries were seeking peace and stability and the latest round of talks between Iran and the US were underway, the United States and Israel suddenly launched a war, thwarting all diplomatic efforts. This is deeply regrettable and disappointing for all those who advocate peace.
Zhai Jun stressed that the causes of the crisis are clear. The US and Israel have attacked Iran without the authorisation of the UN Security Council, in flagrant violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law; China strongly rejects and condemns such actions. The discussion on resolving the crisis must, in his view, be based on an understanding of its origins and provide a holistic picture of the conflict.
According to Zhai, it is necessary to prevent the spread and escalation of fighting. The war seriously threatens the security and stability of the Middle East, interferes with the security of the global economy, energy and transport routes, and endangers the well-being of all countries. The Arab states, especially the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), are facing a catastrophe that they did not bring upon themselves. According to Zhai, the red line of protecting civilians must not be breached, non-militaristic targets such as energy, economic and livelihood facilities must not be attacked, nor must the security of the Strait of Hormuz or other international transport routes be compromised. China condemns all indiscriminate attacks on civilians and non-militarist targets.
He said the priority is to achieve a ceasefire. The scale, intensity and length of the current war, according to Zhai, exceeds last year's „12-day war“. The Middle East has seen enough chaos, and the people and countries of the region yearn for peace and tranquility. The relevant parties should immediately stop military operations and prevent further escalation of the situation.
Zhai Jun stressed that dialogue and negotiation are fundamental solutions. Past and present, he said, show that only dialogue and negotiation can resolve disputes and conflicts. Military solutions, he said, cannot solve the underlying problems and the use of force should never be the first choice. China therefore calls on the international community to actively promote peace negotiations and return to diplomatic means.
Zhai also drew attention to the need for consistent opposition to unilateralism. „Force is not a right,“ he said, adding that a great power should not use its military forces to attack other countries at will. The international community should collectively reject any violation of international law and resist efforts to enforce the law of the jungle. The UN should act as the main channel for mediation, helping to build trust, bridge differences and restart negotiations between the parties involved.
Zhai Jun said Middle Eastern countries are deeply concerned about the impact of the war and call for an immediate ceasefire. During his trip, he visited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt and had in-depth exchanges with their foreign ministers and the secretaries-general of the GCC and the Arab League. He also had in-depth discussions with representatives of Iran.
Regional countries stressed that non-militaristic targets, especially energy and livelihood infrastructure, must not be attacked and that the lives and safety of the population must be protected. „All parties reject the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is key to global energy security and the stability of supply chains. Closing it would have unacceptable consequences for all,“ Zhai added.
Zhai Jun also said that regional countries appreciate that Iran is an irremovable neighbour and welcome Iran's declaration that it will not attack its neighbours and that differences should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation. The regional states highly appreciate China's fair attitude and sustained diplomatic mediation since the beginning of the conflict and expect China to play a greater role in de-escalating tensions.
China's policy of promoting reconciliation and peace continues as long as the conflict lasts, according to Zhai. „The Chinese people value peace above all else,“ He said the basis of China's policy towards the Middle East is the promotion of reconciliation and peace.
Zhai Jun pointed out that the war has claimed more than 21,000 lives and that the ongoing fighting in the Middle East is putting a significant strain on global trade and the economy. „Once Pandora's box is opened, it causes enormous damage. Further fighting will not bring winners, only enormous suffering for the people of the region,“ He added.
China, as a responsible great power and a sincere friend of regional countries, will continue to devote itself intensively to diplomatic communication and coordination, reduce tensions, prepare the ground for a ceasefire, build bridges for the resumption of dialogue, and tirelessly pursue peace and stability in the Middle East, according to Zhai.
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