China's top diplomat urges efforts to prevent escalation in Mideast conflict

China's top diplomat Wang Yi said on Friday that one of the top priorities at present is to contain the spread of the conflict and prevent further involvement of other countries.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French president, at the latter's request.

Wang elaborated on China's position, saying that the current situation in the Middle East is still deteriorating, with the conflict continuing to spread. This has not only undermined the stability of global energy supply but also led to a severe humanitarian crisis.

Resorting to force will not solve the problem, and an unjust war should not be allowed to continue, he said.

In the face of the critical situation, China and France, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, should strengthen strategic communication and coordination, firmly uphold the UN Charter and international law, and prevent the world from regressing to the "law of the jungle," Wang said.

He added that the other two top priorities are for the international community to speak with one voice in calling for an immediate ceasefire and to intensify efforts to advance peace talks, and for the United Nations and the UN Security Council to play their due role in facilitating the early restoration of peace and stability in the region.

Despite the difficulties, dialogue and negotiation remain the right path out of the crisis, Wang said, adding that China and France should work together toward this end.

For his part, Bonne shared his perspectives on the current situation in the Middle East, including developments in Iran and Lebanon.

He said that France and China, as major countries, both support the United Nations, abide by international law, and advocate resolving differences through dialogue.

He said that the two countries should work together to explore solutions and contribute to easing tensions and resuming negotiations.

France is willing to enhance communication and cooperation with China to push for the early achievement of peace and stability in the Middle East, he added.

China's top diplomat urges efforts to prevent escalation in Mideast conflict

Two movie stars expressed their strong confidence in the increasing role of films in boosted tourism across China through the "China Travel with Chinese Films" campaign, ahead of the first CMG Chinese Film Festival.

The festival, opened in Beijing on Friday evening, is expected to highlight, for the first time, the development and achievements of China's film industry from a media perspective.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), actress Zhang Ziyi, the event's image ambassador, and actor Liu Ye shared their views on the development of China's film industry.

"China's film industry was too exciting last year. The application of new technologies has not only encouraged filmmakers but also excited audiences. I read many suggestions from our netizens. Now that we have AI technology, they have told us many ways to make a film. It seemed that audiences were also taking part in the film just like us filmmakers," said Liu.

The "China Travel with Chinese Film" campaign, launched in February last year, has effectively driven tourism development across the country, as evidenced by one of Zhang's films.

"The significance of films is no longer merely to watch a touching story in a cinema. Now, audiences are traveling and tasting the delicacies of various places alongside the film. For instance, when we were shooting and promoting 'She's Got No Name' last year, there was a street where many tourists, including foreign travelers, came. So, Chinese films have brought prosperity to all walks of life," said Zhang.

Liu said it amazed him that a film could make a place known as a new tourist attraction, and it encouraged filmmakers to explore the industry's infinite possibilities.

"Many films boosted local cultural tourism. I never expected the power of film would be so great. When a film is loved by audiences, its shooting location becomes a more famous tourist attraction, attracting many people for local snacks and natural scenery. I think it is the happiest time for us filmmakers. We enjoy a larger space for creation, and audiences have greater enthusiasm for participation. Our future can be said to be full of boundless imagination," said Liu.

The CMG Chinese Film Festival, themed "Power of Spring," will present 21 awards.

Movie stars optimistic about films' role in boosting tourism