Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable, no matter the justification, and any attack on innocent civilians and non-military targets must be condemned.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a phone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
During the phone talks, the Saudi foreign minister briefed on the latest developments in the Middle East, noting that Saudi Arabia does not wish to see the region descend into war. However, he noted with concern that the conflict continues to spread and shows signs of further escalation.
The Saudi side has exercised restraint while reserving the right to self-defense, and hopes the region can avoid further escalation and move toward de-escalation, he said.
Saudi Arabia appreciates China's emphasis on regional security and stability and its positive role in this regard, and stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China to promote peace, stop the fighting, and achieve peace and stability in the Middle East at an early date, he said.
Wang said that the spreading and escalating conflict in the Middle East, now affecting Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, is not something China wishes to see, adding that no matter the justification, the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable.
China appreciates Saudi Arabia's restraint and its commitment to resolving differences through peaceful means, Wang said, adding that the hard-won reconciliation among countries in the region is precious and should be cherished and advanced.
China has always been a force for peace and stands ready to continue playing a constructive role, Wang said, noting that China will send its special envoy on the Middle East issue to countries in the region to conduct mediation efforts.
China strongly urges all parties to cease military operations, return to dialogue and negotiations at an early date, and prevent further escalation of tensions, Wang said.
Attacks on civilians, non-military targets must be condemned: Chinese FM
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that the red line on protecting civilians in conflicts must not be crossed.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Abdullah briefed Wang on the regional situation and the UAE's position, saying the country is not a party to the war, has not participated in the current conflict, and should not be subjected to illegal attacks.
He expressed appreciation for China's consistent objective and impartial stance, adding that the UAE expects China to continue to play an active and important role in the current grave circumstances to prevent further escalation of regional tensions.
The UAE will continue to take measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in the country, Abdullah said.
For his part, Wang reiterated China's principled position on the current situation in Iran, noting that the spillover of war serves no one's interests and that the people of the region would be the ones to suffer.
He stressed that non-military targets related to energy, economy and people's livelihoods should not be attacked, and that the security of shipping routes must be safeguarded.
Wang noted that the UAE had worked for peace even before the conflict broke out, and that a recent foreign ministers' meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to overcome the current crisis and safeguard regional security, which China appreciates.
China backs the UAE's legitimate demands to safeguard its national security and supports countries in the region in their continued efforts to resolve disputes through diplomatic means, Wang said.
China will not give up hope for peace and will continue to play a constructive role, Wang said, adding that China will send its special envoy on the Middle East issue to the region to conduct mediation efforts to help bring the region back to peace and stability.
Wang also expressed hope that the UAE will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country.
Chinese FM says red line on protecting civilians in conflict must not be crossed
