Screenshot from the notice issued by the Chinese Embassy in Israel

In response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks that some countries, including China and Qatar, were investing in artificial intelligence technologies and using social media to carry out an "information blockade" against Israel, a spokesperson from Chinese Embassy in Israel said on Thursday that such claims are completely baseless, harmful to China-Israel relations, and China is seriously concerned and firmly opposes them.

Netanyahu made such remarks on September 15 during a meeting with a delegation of US state legislators.

China is shocked by the remarks made by the Israeli leader. Such claims are completely baseless, harmful to China-Israel relations, and China is seriously concerned and firmly opposes them, said a spokesperson from Chinese Embassy in Israel, according to a notice published by the embassy on its WeChat account. 

Blaming critical voices on a few social media platforms and then pointing the finger at China is nothing but a case of "seeking the wrong cure for the illness." It targets the wrong party and prescribes the wrong remedy, said the spokesperson.

For some time now, the international community has been closely following the situation in Gaza, with a broad consensus calling for an early ceasefire and end to the fighting, which would also help ensure the safe return of Israeli hostages as soon as possible. 

We have also noted that within Israel itself there are many voices of reflection, arguing that what the country needs is not a prolonged war, but a lasting plan for peace, said the spokesperson, adding that to overcome its current predicament, Israel needs political wisdom and creative diplomacy, not simply military operations and endless bombardment. 

At the UN and other multilateral bodies, the overwhelming votes in favor of resolutions on Palestine-related issues already reflect the attitude of the majority of the international community, the spokesperson noted.

As a Chinese proverb goes, "It is better to address the root cause than merely treat the symptoms." The Palestinian issue lies at the heart of the Middle East question. The security of all countries in the region, including Israel and Palestine, is interdependent. One-sided security is unworkable; only common security can bring lasting peace and eliminate the breeding ground for violence and hatred. 

Israel's legitimate security concerns should be respected, and Palestine's rights to survival, statehood and development must also be realized. Justice cannot be denied, morality cannot be reversed, and public opinion cannot be disregarded, said the spokesperson. 

The spokesperson urge Israel to heed the strong call of the international community, immediately halt its military operations in Gaza, and achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible to prevent an even greater humanitarian catastrophe.

China sincerely hopes to see the countries of the region coexist peacefully at an early date, achieving stability and common prosperity, and stands ready to work with the international community to play a constructive role in easing the regional situation, the spokesperson noted. 

Global Times