Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the sovereignty and security of the Gulf states should be respected, and civilians and non-military targets must receive the necessary protection.
The safety of shipping lanes, as well as energy and infrastructure facilities, should also be safeguarded, said Wang during a phone conversation with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul over the current situation in the Middle East.
The current situation in Iran is severe and complex, and has a serious impact on global economic, energy and food security, Wadephul said, noting that ending the conflict as soon as possible is in the common interests of the international community.
Germany supports the United Nations in playing its due role and attaches importance to the five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region that was put forward by China and Pakistan, said the minister, adding that his country is ready to continue to maintain communication and cooperation with China. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, elaborated on China's principled position, saying that the military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran were not authorized by the UN Security Council and clearly violated international law.
As responsible major countries, China and Germany should uphold an objective and impartial stance, play a constructive role, and promote the quick calming of the war and the restoration of regional peace and stability, Wang said.
During the phone conversation, the two sides also exchanged views on bilateral relations and agreed to implement the outcomes of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to China, enhance strategic communication, increase strategic mutual trust, and promote greater development of the all-round strategic partnership between China and Germany.
Chinese FM urges respect for Gulf states' sovereignty, protection of civilians and shipping lanes
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that UN Security Council actions must not provide legal cover for unauthorized military operations, nor should they heighten tensions or escalate conflict.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission.
Kallas shared her views on the situation in the Middle East and commended China's active diplomatic mediation efforts to ease the situation, including the latest five-point joint initiative issued by China and Pakistan for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.
The European side has not been involved in this war but has suffered from its spillover effects, she said, expressing hope for swiftly de-escalating the war and resuming dialogue and negotiations.
The European side supports UN humanitarian operations, the protection of civilians and non-military targets, and will make every effort to ensure the opening of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, she said.
Wang said that amid the current international turmoil, it is the shared responsibility of China and Europe to step up communication and exchanges, and to uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law.
Wang elaborated on China's principled position on the Middle East situation, noting that the five-point initiative proposed by China and Pakistan reflects a broad international consensus, whose core elements include a cessation of hostilities, the start of peace talks as soon as possible, ensuring the security of non-military targets and security of shipping lanes, and safeguarding the primacy of the UN Charter.
A ceasefire and an end to hostilities are the strong call of the international community, and also the fundamental solution to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Wang said, adding that all parties should build greater consensus and create the necessary conditions to that end.
The UN Security Council actions should focus on cooling down the situation and de-escalating tensions, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to maintain communication and cooperation with the European side to promote an early end to hostilities and restore regional peace.
The two sides also exchanged views on China-EU relations. Wang said that China's development represents opportunities for Europe, and that the challenges Europe faces do not originate from China. Protectionism does not enhance competitiveness, and decoupling from China means decoupling from opportunities, Wang said, expressing hope that the European side will develop a comprehensive and objective perception of China and maintain the correct direction of China-EU relations.
Kallas said that the European side views China as an important cooperation partner, does not seek decoupling from China, and looks forward to maintaining dialogue and communication between the two sides.
Chinese FM says UN Security Council actions should not legitimize unauthorized military operations
