China supports diplomatic efforts by Arab, Islamic nations over Gaza: Wang Yi

Beijing: China supports the diplomatic efforts by Arab and Islamic countries to de-escalate the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during talks with a delegation consisting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers in Beijing, CGTN reported. The delegation, including the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia and Palestine, and the secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, are on a two-day visit to China.

Reportedly set to meet officials representing each of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the delegation has chosen China as the first leg of a tour to push for an end to hostilities between the Palestinians and the Israelis. Wang said that shows a high degree of trust in China and the fine tradition of mutual understanding and support between the two sides.

“China is a good friend and good brother of Arab and Islamic countries,” he said. Noting that Monday marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Palestine, Wang said China stands for fairness and justice in the conflict, and has been working for de-escalations, protection of civilians, humanitarian relief efforts, the return to a two-state solution and an early resolution of the Palestinian issue.

The top priority is to fully implement the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and secure an immediate ceasefire, he said. International law, especially international humanitarian law, must be abided by, added Wang.

As the rotating chair of the UN Security Council, China will continue to strengthen coordination with Arab and Islamic countries to build consensus and promote the Security Council to take further meaningful actions on the situation in Gaza, he said.

The delegation urged the international community to take responsible actions and promote an immediate ceasefire, secure a full delivery of humanitarian aid materials to Gaza, protect Palestine’s civilians, and prevent the forced relocation of Gaza residents.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the delegation of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers and held in-depth exchange of views on promoting de-escalation of ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

During the meeting held at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse here, the two sides also exchanged views on protecting civilians and finding a just solution to the Palestinian question, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning here.

“Since the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China’s position on firmly supporting a ceasefire, protecting civilians, providing humanitarian assistance and realizing the two-state solution is highly similar to that of Arab and Islamic countries,” Mao Ning said during her regular briefing. She said that the Chinese side commends the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit for speaking up for justice, and supports Arab and Islamic countries in making active diplomatic efforts and playing a greater role.

During the visit, the delegation will share more about the summit with China and the two sides will have in-depth exchange of views on the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

China stands ready to work with Arab and Islamic countries and continue making relentless efforts to work for an early ceasefire in Gaza, ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, realize peaceful co-existence between Palestine and Israel, and contribute to the peace and stability in the Middle East, she added.