China, France issue joint statement on situations on Ukraine, Palestine

China

China, France issue joint statement on situations on Ukraine, Palestine

2025-12-05 15:46 Last Updated At：19:57

China and France have issued a joint statement regarding the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian question.

The latest joint statement came during French President Emmanuel Macron's ongoing state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, during which the two leaders held talks in Beijing.

The two heads of state recalled their previous two joint statements issued during their respective state visits in May 2024 and April 2023, and said they had an in-depth exchange of views on two major issues facing international peace and stability, reaching the following consensus:

First, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and France are jointly committed to seeking constructive solutions based on international law to address the challenges and threats to international security and stability. Both sides are committed to helping peacefully resolve differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation.

Second, on Ukraine, China and France support all efforts toward a ceasefire and the restoration of peace on the basis of international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Third, China and France reaffirm the need to create favorable conditions for the effective implementation of the "two-state solution", which is the only credible path to meet the legitimate expectations of the Israelis and the Palestinians for a just and lasting peace and security. China and France welcome the adoption of the New York Declaration on September 12, 2025. China, which recognized the State of Palestine in 1988, once again welcomes France's recognition of the State of Palestine on September 22, 2025.

Fourth, China and France welcome the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas on October 9, 2025, and call on all parties to immediately fulfill their commitments and avoid taking any actions that might undermine their fulfillment. Both countries condemn all acts that violate international humanitarian law, including all terrorist and violent actions and indiscriminate attacks on civilians. The two heads of state reiterate the necessity of providing large-scale humanitarian assistance under the supervision of the United Nations and ensuring prompt, safe, sustainable and unhindered aid deliveries throughout the Gaza Strip.

Fifth, China and France emphasize the importance of continuing to provide material and financial support to the Palestinian National Authority and appreciate the efforts of the members of the "Palestinian emergency coalition". The French side welcomes and commends China's assistance to Palestine.

Sixth, the two countries reaffirm their continued willingness to maintaining close communication on issues concerning international peace and security.

The statement came as Macron prepares to conclude a three-day state visit to China on Friday, with this marking the French president's fourth state visit to the country and a reciprocal visit following President Xi's historic trip to France last year.

Gaza musician bravely keeps on playing to deliver sounds of joy amid devastation

Amid the rubble and relentless hardship of the Gaza Strip, a young displaced musician refuses to let war silence his strings, playing every day to bring fleeting moments of joy to those around him.

Samih Al-Madhoon, a resilient young performer who is still only 18-years-old, has been left displaced at the Al-Shati Camp in Gaza, but his love for music burns strongly and gives him a sense of hope for the future, despite whatever challenges lie ahead.

The Israel-Hamas conflict saw him lose his home and most of the things he held dear in life, including having to leave behind his beloved musical instrument.

"I tried to stay consistent with my playing and my talent, and to stay continuing in this path, but unfortunately during this period of displacement I lost my oud. I lost my instrument, and I lost many things that belong to me in music. And I lost [the ability to play] musical notes," he said. However, when he finally returned to playing, holding his cherished oud in his hands once more, he said he cried at once again being able to express himself through music.

Al-Madhoon has continued his musical career with a sense of determination, persistence, and talent that belies the chaos he has witnessed all around him.

He said he wants to use his music to comfort his peers who are currently living in harsh conditions, and he is seen regularly performing to others as he looks to ease people's pain all around him.

"Through music, I deliver my voice and the voice of the people of Gaza Strip, and the people of Palestine in general, that we are people who love life and peace. During this period, during the war, I play to comfort them, to make them a little happier, and to change their mood," he said.

The young performer still hopes that he will be able to live a peaceful life and perhaps one day get the chance to pursue his musical dreams on bigger stages, instead of amid the ruins and rubble of the destroyed streets of Gaza.

"My wish is to live in safety and peace, build new houses for us, rebuild the home, rebuild my memories with music, return to learning music, and to be on big stages. And I hope that I can leave to complete my studies outside the Gaza Strip and become a maestro in music," he said.