BEIJING: China’s top diplomat Wang Yi on Saturday had a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the latter’s invitation, during which Blinken briefed Wang on the escalating situation in the Middle East during his ongoing visit, and the US position on the current Palestine-Israel conflict.
The Chinese Foreign Minister, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, noted that when dealing with international regional hotspot issues, major powers should adhere to objectivity and impartiality, maintain calm and restraint and take the lead in abiding by international law.
China will continue to promote peace and dialogue, adding that the US should play a constructive role and push for the issue to return to the track of political settlement, Wang said.
Wang stated that the Palestine-Israel conflict is escalating and facing the risk of spiraling out of control. China opposes any actions that harm civilians and condemns any practices that violate international law. China believes that safeguarding its own security should not come at the expense of innocent civilians. Military means do not represent a way out, and resorting to violence will only lead to a vicious cycle.
Wang pointed out that an immediate priority is to achieve a ceasefire and de-escalation as soon as possible, to avoid exacerbating the humanitarian disaster. It is necessary to adhere to international humanitarian law and open up humanitarian aid channels, as well as support the UN in consolidating international consensus and the UN Security Council in playing its due role.
Wang emphasized that the fundamental solution to the Palestine issue lies in implementing a “two-state solution” and establishing an independent Palestinian state, achieving peaceful coexistence between the two sides. Without reconciliation between the Arab and Israeli nations, there can be no peace in the Middle East. China calls for the prompt convening of an international conference to promote the achievement of broad consensus.
Blinken said that the US supports a “two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian issue, supports the UN in playing a role in easing the situation and providing humanitarian assistance, and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China.
Wang and Blinken also exchanged views on bilateral relations. China and the US have conducted a series of high-level contacts, and bilateral relations have shown signs of stabilizing and recovering, which is welcomed by the people of both countries and the international community, Wang said.
It is hoped that the US will meet China halfway, implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state at the meeting in Bali, Indonesia to overcome interference, remove obstacles, expand the positive list and shorten the negative one, respect China’s core interests and major concerns, and promote the return of China-US relations to a stable and developing track, said the Chinese Foreign Minister.
Blinken said that the US is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached between the two presidents at the Bali Summit, responsibly manage US-China relations, and promote stability of bilateral relationship.
