Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi file photo:fmprc

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday spoke separately in phone talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, saying that China will send its special envoy on the Middle East issue to regional countries to conduct mediation efforts.

In the phone conversations with Abdullah, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reiterated China’s principled position on the current situation in Iran, saying that the spillover of the war is not in the interest of any party and that the people of the region would be the only ones to suffer. He said that the red line on protecting civilians in conflicts must not be crossed, non-military targets such as energy, the economy, and people’s livelihoods should not be attacked, and the safety of shipping lanes must be maintained.

China expressed appreciation for the UAE’s peace efforts and also commends the statement by the 50th Extraordinary Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council that reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the sole path to overcome the current crisis and preserve regional security, Wang said. 

Besides, China supports the UAE’s legitimate demands to safeguard national security and supports regional countries to continue resolving disputes through diplomatic means, Wang said. 

China will not give up hope for peace and will continue to play a constructive role. China will send its special envoy on the Middle East issue to regional countries to conduct mediation efforts and promote a return to peace and stability. China also hopes that the UAE will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and institutions in UAE, Wang said. 

In the phone conversations with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Wang said that China does not want to see the Middle East conflict spreading to Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia. Regardless of the reason, indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable, and any attacks on innocent civilians and non-military targets should be condemned, Wang said. 

China appreciates Saudi Arabia for exercising restraint and insisting on resolving differences through peaceful means. Achieving regional reconciliation is rare and valuable, and should be cherished and further promoted, Wang said. 

Wang said that China has always been a peacekeeping force and is willing to continue playing a constructive role.

China strongly urges all parties to halt military actions and return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible to prevent further escalation of tensions.

Global Times