FM says Beijing to resolve hot spot regional, global issues and build more consensus
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi greets journalists as he attends a press conference on the sidelines of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress, in Beijing, March 7, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
China will put forward more solutions and wisdom to solve regional and global issues as the country engages in resolving hot spot issues in an impartial and constructive way, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.
"We will work with all countries to build consensus for ending conflicts, pave the way for peace talks, and strive for a world of lasting peace and common security," Wang told a news conference on the sidelines of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress.
From restoring diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran to promoting a cease-fire in northern Myanmar, improving ties between Iran and Pakistan and frequent shuttle visits to the Middle East and Europe, China's mediation efforts have drawn global attention as well as more expectations.
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In a world plagued by prolonged conflicts, Wang said that it is the responsibility of China, a member of the United Nations Security Council, to address global hot spot issues.
China always sticks to the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, works as a mediator according to the needs and wishes of the countries concerned, and always adheres to the UN charter, he said.
In the face of disputes, he called for refraining from willful use of force and sanctions.
Wang also stressed that China never adopts double standards, takes sides, or seeks geopolitical interests.
The foreign minister's comments were made as the Ukraine crisis drags into its third year and the Palestine-Israel conflict has killed and injured about 100,000 civilians. At the same time, tensions in the Korean Peninsula have begun to rise.
Calling the humanitarian disaster in Gaza a tragedy for humankind and a disgrace for civilization, Wang said that no reason can justify the continuation of the conflict, and no excuse can justify the killings of civilians.
The tragedy in Gaza has once again reminded the world that the Palestinian territories have been occupied for a long time and this can no longer be ignored, Wang said. "The long-cherished wish of the Palestinian people to establish an independent country can no longer be evaded, and the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people cannot continue for generations without being corrected," he added.
He expressed support for Palestine's full membership in the UN and called for a broad-based, authoritative and effective international peace conference to draw up a road map and a timetable for the implementation of the "two-state solution".
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He also advocated a resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel.
On the Ukraine crisis, Wang said China supports holding an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine. The conference must ensure the participation of all parties and fair discussions on all peace plans, he said.
Li Hui, special representative of the Chinese government on Eurasian affairs, is currently on a second visit to Europe to discuss the Ukraine crisis.
On the Korean Peninsula issue, Wang said the most urgent task is to stop the intimidation and pressure, and break free from the spiral of escalating confrontations.
Wang stressed that the fundamental solution lies in resuming dialogue and negotiations, addressing the legitimate security concerns of all parties, especially those of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and advancing a political settlement of the issue.
