Focusing on the central tasks of the Party and the country, China's diplomacy stands firm on the right side of history, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a press conference in Beijing on Sunday.
Wang answered questions of journalists from home and abroad on China's foreign policy and external relations at the press conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).
"In today's world, changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace, transformation and turbulence are intertwined, and wars and conflicts keep flaring up. In today's China, we are forging ahead at full speed in building a great country, our national rejuvenation is unstoppable, and our country's international influence is rising steadily. Under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, focusing on the central tasks of the Party and the country, and following the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China's diplomacy firmly safeguards state sovereignty, security and development interests, firmly upholds international rule of law and fairness and justice, firmly opposes all unilateral acts, power politics and bullying, firmly observes and fulfills our international obligations, and firmly stands on the right side of the history," he said in his opening remarks.
"As the world's most important force for peace, for stability and for justice, we have full confidence in the future of humanity. We stand ready to work with all like-minded countries to pursue the noble goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity and write new chapters of peace, development and win-win cooperation for our times," Wang said.
The 14th NPC, China's top legislature, is holding its annual session from Thursday through March 12.
China's diplomacy stands firm on right side of history: FM
China calls for an immediate stop to military operations in the Middle East to prevent further escalation and avoid the spillover of the conflict, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.
Wang reiterated China's stance on Iran situation during a press conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing where he answered questions of journalists from home and abroad on China's foreign policy and external relations.
"China's attitude is objective and impartial. We have stated our principled position on multiple occasions, which can be summarized into one key message, that is to achieve ceasefire and end hostilities. Ancient Chinese wisdom warns that weapons are ominous tools and should not be used without discretion. Seeing the Middle East engulfed in flames, I want to say this is a war that should never have happened, and one that benefits no one. The history of the Middle East tells the world once again that force is not the way to resolve problems, and resorting to arms will only breed new hatred and new crises. Once again, China calls for an immediate stop to military operations to avoid the spiraling escalation of the situation and avoid the spillover of the conflict," Wang said.
The foreign minister put forward five fundamental principles for handling the situation in Iran and expressed China's commitment to contributing to peaceful development of the Middle East region.
"China believes that to properly and appropriately handle issues related to Iran and the Middle East, several fundamental principles should be adhered to. First, respecting national sovereignty. Sovereignty is the cornerstone of the current international order. We maintain that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Iran and all countries in the Gulf region should be respected and not violated. Second, refraining from the abuse of force. A strong fist does not mean a strong argument. The world cannot revert to the law of the jungle. Willful use of force does not prove one's strengths. People should not be innocent victims of war," he said.
"Third, adhering to non-interference in internal affairs. The people of the Middle East are the true owners of this region, and the affairs of the Middle East should be independently decided by the countries in the region. Plotting color revolution or seeking regime change are not welcomed. Fourth, promoting political settlement of hotspot issues. China always believes that peace is the most precious. All sides should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible, resolve differences through equal dialogue and make efforts to realize common security," Wang said.
"Fifth, major countries should play a constructive role and use their strength in a benevolent way. Another old saying in China reads when benevolence and justice are not practiced, the position of strength shifts. Major countries should act in the spirit of justice and righteousness and contribute more positive energy to peace and development of the Middle East. As a sincere friend and strategic partner of Middle East countries, China is willing to work with them to implement the Global Security Initiative, restore order to the Middle East, bring peace to the people and contribute to world peace," Wang said.
China calls for immediate ceasefire in Middle East: FM
