China advocates for peace and humanitarian values regarding Palestine issue: Wang Yi

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, together with Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, held a joint press conference following their co-chairing of the China-EU High-Level Strategic Dialogue on Friday (October 13).

In response to a question concerning the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli situation, Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the critical state that Palestine currently entangled.

The ongoing conflict has inflicted severe civilian casualties and has led to a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis. China unequivocally condemns any actions that harm civilians and firmly opposes violations of international law, a press release said.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined four pressing priorities that China identifies in light of the grave circumstances. First, an immediate cessation of hostilities is imperative to prevent the conflict from spreading further and to avert an escalation of the situation. Second, adherence to international humanitarian law is of utmost importance. Every effort should be made to safeguard the lives of civilians, establish humanitarian corridors swiftly, and prevent a severe humanitarian catastrophe. Third, relevant nations must exercise restraint and remain level-headed. They should adopt an objective and just stance, work toward de-escalation, and avoid exacerbating regional and global security concerns. Fourth, the United Nations should assume its rightful role in addressing the Palestinian issue. The UN Security Council bears significant responsibilities in this regard, including the prompt establishment of international consensus and the implementation of tangible measures.

Wang Yi highlighted that China is in communication with concerned parties and will actively engage in emergency consultations at the UN Security Council. China will support Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's call for the protection of civilians and will provide urgent humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian National Authority through the UN.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored that the Palestinian issue lies at the core of the Middle East conundrum and remains an enduring wound in today's world. The fundamental cause of this issue can be traced back to the prolonged delay in achieving the dream of an independent State of Palestine and the inability to address the historical injustices endured by the Palestinian people. Just as Israel has the right to statehood, so does Palestine. The Israelis have secured the means for their survival, but the question persists: who will ensure the survival of the Palestinians? The Jewish nation is no longer without a homeland in the world, yet when will the Palestinian nation regain its rightful home? In a world filled with injustices, the protracted injustice against Palestine has endured for over half a century, perpetuating suffering across generations. The solution to this issue lies in the two-state resolution and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine. This presents the path to peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel and harmonious living for Arabs and Jews. Only through the complete implementation of the two-state solution can the Middle East genuinely embrace peace, and Israel secure enduring security. The way forward is to swiftly resume peace negotiations. All peace-promoting mechanisms must contribute positively. China's Special Envoy on Middle East Affairs will soon visit pertinent nations in the region, actively working to halt violence and de-escalate the situation.

Furthermore, China advocates for the convening of an influential, broad-based international peace conference, under the UN's auspices, to build international consensus in support of peace.

This conference should strive for a comprehensive, equitable, and lasting resolution to the Palestinian question without delay.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that, on the Palestinian issue, China will remain firmly committed to the side of peace, justice, international law, the collective aspirations of the world's majority of nations, and the principles of human conscience."