China supports efforts to promote an early, thorough and comprehensive settlement of the issue of chemical weapons in Syria, said a Chinese envoy on Thursday, stressing that the issue must not be politicized.
Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, stated at a UN Security Council meeting on the issue that China supports Syria's transitional government in continuing dialog and cooperation with the Technical Secretariat of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) towards settling the issue.
Sun said that China welcomes the latest progresses made in terms of tackling the issue of chemical weapons in Syria, including that the OPCW Technical Secretariat has set up an office in Damascus and carried out five field investigations in the country.
"The most important lesson in the international community's handling of the issue of chemical weapons in Syria is that it must not be politicized. The OPCW should uphold its technical nature, perform its duties strictly in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, advance its work in a fair, transparent and safe manner, and keep the States Parties to the Convention informed of the progress timely and fully. Investigations on alleged use of chemical weapons must be conducted in compliance with proper procedures, supported by reliable evidences, and lead to credible conclusions," said Sun.
He said that Syria should firmly oppose all forms of terrorism and prevent terrorists from obtaining, manufacturing and using chemical weapons.
To that end, China calls on Syria's transitional government to fulfill its relevant international obligations by taking all effective measures to resolutely combat all international terrorist organizations designated by the Security Council, including the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, Sun said, noting that China resolutely opposes the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances.
Syria's chemical weapons issue mustn't be politicized: Chinese envoy
Syria's chemical weapons issue mustn't be politicized: Chinese envoy
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that UN Security Council actions must not provide legal cover for unauthorized military operations, nor should they heighten tensions or escalate conflict.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission.
Kallas shared her views on the situation in the Middle East and commended China's active diplomatic mediation efforts to ease the situation, including the latest five-point joint initiative issued by China and Pakistan for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.
The European side has not been involved in this war but has suffered from its spillover effects, she said, expressing hope for swiftly de-escalating the war and resuming dialogue and negotiations.
The European side supports UN humanitarian operations, the protection of civilians and non-military targets, and will make every effort to ensure the opening of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, she said.
Wang said that amid the current international turmoil, it is the shared responsibility of China and Europe to step up communication and exchanges, and to uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law.
Wang elaborated on China's principled position on the Middle East situation, noting that the five-point initiative proposed by China and Pakistan reflects a broad international consensus, whose core elements include a cessation of hostilities, the start of peace talks as soon as possible, ensuring the security of non-military targets and security of shipping lanes, and safeguarding the primacy of the UN Charter.
A ceasefire and an end to hostilities are the strong call of the international community, and also the fundamental solution to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Wang said, adding that all parties should build greater consensus and create the necessary conditions to that end.
The UN Security Council actions should focus on cooling down the situation and de-escalating tensions, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to maintain communication and cooperation with the European side to promote an early end to hostilities and restore regional peace.
The two sides also exchanged views on China-EU relations. Wang said that China's development represents opportunities for Europe, and that the challenges Europe faces do not originate from China. Protectionism does not enhance competitiveness, and decoupling from China means decoupling from opportunities, Wang said, expressing hope that the European side will develop a comprehensive and objective perception of China and maintain the correct direction of China-EU relations.
Kallas said that the European side views China as an important cooperation partner, does not seek decoupling from China, and looks forward to maintaining dialogue and communication between the two sides.
Chinese FM says UN Security Council actions should not legitimize unauthorized military operations
