Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday criticized the United States for its logic of power politics and its recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, saying it has set a negative precedent.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a joint press conference with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, in Paris.
When asked about the situation in the Middle East, Wang said that the U.S. has set a negative precedent by openly bombing the nuclear facilities of a sovereign nation, and recent military conflicts between Iran and Israel should not be repeated.
"The path to peace lies ahead, and history will test the sincerity of all parties. The recent military conflicts between Israel and Iran should not be repeated," said Wang.
He warned that if such actions trigger a nuclear disaster, the whole world would bear the consequences.
The claim of "peace through strength" is based on the logic of power politics, Wang said, questioning that if strength alone dictates right and wrong, what then would become of rules and justice.
Strength cannot bring true peace. Rather, it may well open a Pandora's box, Wang added.
"How are less powerful nations, especially small and medium-sized countries, supposed to survive? Are they to be laid out on the table, left at the mercy of others?" Wang questioned.
The true resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue cannot evade the core of the Middle East problem, namely the Palestinian issue, Wang said, adding that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must not continue any longer.
The Palestinian issue must not be marginalized again, the legitimate aspirations of the Arab people should be fulfilled as soon as possible, and the just voice of the broader Islamic world must be heeded, Wang said.
The "two-state solution" remains the only realistic way to break the cycle of turmoil in the Middle East, and the international community must take more concrete and effective actions to advance it, he said.
Chinese foreign minister criticizes US logic of power politics
Chinese foreign minister criticizes US logic of power politics
