The global initiatives proposed by China will benefit countries around the world, as they enable every country to play a constructive role in the pursuit of peace and common prosperity, said former Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab in an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province.
Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the trio of global initiatives, namely the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), reflects his vision of a more inclusive, equitable and harmonious world order.
"I think it's commendable, especially what China is seeking is an inclusive peaceful world that has a place for everybody. We're not talking about just big countries, but even the small ones. This gives a sense of relaxation on the level of countries, such as Lebanon, that China can be part of pushing for this peaceful world where everybody has a chance to be proactive and play a positive role," said Diab.
China's global initiatives seek peace, prosperity for all countries: former Lebanese PM
China's global initiatives seek peace, prosperity for all countries: former Lebanese PM
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he is considering "winding down" the U.S. military strikes against Iran, claiming the United States is "getting very close to" meeting its objectives.
"We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East" with respect to Iran, Trump said on Truth Social.
The objectives Trump outlined include degrading Iran's missile capabilities, destroying its defense industrial base, eliminating its navy and air force, preventing it from ever approaching nuclear capability and protecting U.S. allies across the region.
Also on Friday, Trump said that he does not want a ceasefire with Iran.
"We can have dialogue, but you know, I don't want to do a ceasefire," Trump told reporters before he departed the White House for Florida, noting "You don't do a ceasefire when you're literally obliterating the other side."
"U.S. government says one thing, reality says another," Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday on X, questioning White House's repeated claims that Iran's air defenses and Navy have been destroyed.
Trump on Truth Social also said that the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy waterway, should be secured by the countries that rely on it and Washington would assist if asked.
"The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it -- The United States does not! If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn't be necessary once Iran's threat is eradicated," Trump added.
The United States and Israel launched joint military strikes on Iran on Feb 28, disrupting global shipping, sending oil prices soaring and shaking the global economy.
Trump says considering "winding down" strikes on Iran
