Chinese FM urges ceasefire in Middle East, supports Gulf role in regional future

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Tuesday for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and efforts towards a political solution, and supports Gulf countries in taking the future of the region in their own hands.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani briefed the Chinese side on the regional situation and the position of Qatar, stressing that Qatar has had to undertake necessary measures of self-defense while stepping up diplomatic efforts to prevent the crisis from spreading and escalating.

He also expressed appreciation for China's fair and just position and its mediation efforts, and voiced hope that China will play a greater role in promoting a ceasefire and ending the hostilities.

For his part, Wang said that China, as a permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, has always adhered to principles and upheld fairness and justice in international affairs.

U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, without authorization from the Security Council, clearly violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations, said Wang.

China does not approve of expanding the scope of military strikes and condemns indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non-military targets, said Wang, adding that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf Arab countries should be respected.

Noting that the continuation of the war brings only harm with no benefit, and will only cause greater losses for all parties concerned, Wang said that China will continue to play a constructive role in easing tensions and restoring peace in its own way.

Chinese FM urges ceasefire in Middle East, supports Gulf role in regional future

Chinese FM urges ceasefire in Middle East, supports Gulf role in regional future

Chinese FM urges ceasefire in Middle East, supports Gulf role in regional future

Chinese FM urges ceasefire in Middle East, supports Gulf role in regional future

Chinese FM urges ceasefire in Middle East, supports Gulf role in regional future

Serbia's Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamocic hailed the surge in exports to China following the launch of a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) in recent years, calling the pact a strategic relationship of mutual vision and voicing optimism for deeper bilateral cooperation.

The FTA between China and Serbia, signed in October 2023 and implemented on July 1, 2024, eliminates tariffs on roughly 90 percent of bilateral trade. More than 60 percent of goods became duty-free immediately upon its entry into force, marking a decisive step in deepening economic ties.

He said the agreement has reshaped Serbia’s trade profile, fueling a 69-percent jump in agricultural exports while accelerating imports of Chinese technologies and farm mechanization.

"The relationship between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Serbia, I would describe as a long-term, strategic relationship of mutual political and clear economic vision.The Free Trade Agreement between our countries was signed in 2023. It was introduced in 2024. As a result, our trade exchange has greatly improved, especially in the field of agriculture. We can say from that moment our exports to China grew for 69 percent. We have also made easier the import of certain things, such as mechanization and digital technologies, from the People's Republic of China to Serbia," said Glamocic.

"Our traditional products, such as wine, our domestic brandy, our honey, dried plums, frozen raspberries, similarly, imports of modern technologies from China are increasing, mechanization also, which really improves our agriculture business in Serbia. So I am an optimist that it will get better and better every day," he added.

The minister spoke highly of Serbia's partnership with China and voiced hope for broader cooperation in the future.

"What I would expect from China is that we sometimes try to speed up these procedures as much as possible. It is especially an honor for us when such a small country has such a status in the People's Republic of China. We were the first country to sign this type of strategic document in Europe, and we have reached the highest possible level among the two countries," he said.

Serbian agriculture minister reports record export growth to China