China will not rest diplomatic mediation efforts in Middle East as long as conflict continues: special envoy

As long as the conflict continues, China will not rest its diplomatic mediation efforts, said Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, on Monday.

Speaking at a news briefing, Zhai said he recently visited several countries in the region including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt, and had in-depth exchanges of views with their foreign ministers and the secretaries general of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the League of Arab States on the regional situation.

Zhai said he also had a thorough discussion with the Iranian side.

Noting that his visit took place as the war was escalating and spilling over, he said the regional countries stressed that nonmilitary targets, especially livelihood and energy infrastructure, must not come under unwarranted attacks, and that the life and safety of ordinary people must be protected.

"Due to the conflicts, this visit was highly unusual. Airports in several countries we planned to visit were shut down, and their airspace was also closed. As a result, we had to travel between countries by road. Overhead, we witnessed interceptor missiles exploding in the sky. So we have truly experienced the huge blow and impact of war on regional countries," Zhai said.

Noting that the war has caused more than 21,000 casualties, Zhai said as the flames of war continue to rage across the Middle East, global trade and economy are coming under great strain.

"The Chinese people value the paramount importance of peace, and the foundation of China's policy on the Middle East is to promote reconciliation and peace. As a responsible major country and a sincere friend of regional countries, China will maintain close communication and coordination with the parties, help bring down tension, pave the way for a ceasefire, build bridges for restarting dialogue. As long as the conflict continues, we will not rest our diplomatic mediation efforts," said Zhai.

China will not rest diplomatic mediation efforts in Middle East as long as conflict continues: special envoy

Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Monday.

As solemn music played and the golden doors slowly opened, Xi and Vucic entered the hall together, followed by Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Vucic's wife Tamara Vucic.

Applauding guests rose to their feet, and paid respect to the two heads of state.

A Guard of Honor escorted the Friendship Medal into the hall, and amid solemn music, Xi formally presented the medal to Vucic.

Xi highlighted Vucic's long-standing commitment to advancing China-Serbia friendship and underscored the significance of the honor.

"President Vucic has long stayed committed to China-Serbia friendship, and he has always given China the firmest and clearest support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns. He gains the respect from the Chinese people. This medal is not only a high recognition of President Vucic's contributions to bilateral friendship, but also carries the earnest expectations of both peoples for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said.

The Friendship Medal is China's highest state honor for foreigners, reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace.

At the invitation of Xi, Vucic is on a state visit to China from Sunday to Thursday, with this marking his first state visit to China and his ninth trip to the country overall.

Xi awards Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic China's friendship medal