By Manal El Warraky
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati in Beijing, where he answered journalists’ questions on developments in the Middle East.
In response to a question about the recurrence of conflicts in the region, Wang Yi stressed that the situation in the Middle East is witnessing a continuous escalation of tensions, as crises between Palestine and Israel, Lebanon and Israel, Iran and Israel are worsening, in addition to tensions in the Red Sea and sudden developments in Syria.
He pointed out that these repeated disturbances pose a serious threat to international security, which raises the question of what the future will be like in the region.
Wang Yi stressed that China’s priorities in this context are to end the violence immediately and adhere to all international resolutions, especially Security Council resolutions, which call for stopping actions that may lead to escalation of the situation. He also stressed the need to respect the rights of civilians and not to use their humanitarian issues as a bargaining chip in political negotiations.
He pointed out that the international community must fulfill its responsibilities under international humanitarian law and work to improve the humanitarian situation in the region, noting the need to avoid new waves of refugees, especially from Syria.
Regarding the way out of these crises, Wang Yi indicated that a political solution must be the basis, saying: “Violence does not create security, and force does not create peace.” He called on the UN Security Council to shoulder its responsibility in maintaining security and stability in the region.
He also stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and negotiations, noting that cooperation between countries and tolerance must be the basis for resolving differences, and that reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran must be a model for enhancing trust and building a sustainable security framework.
Wang Yi criticized foreign interference in the affairs of the region, stressing that the peoples of the Middle East must be responsible for determining their future away from geopolitical interference, calling on the international community to respect the sovereignty of Arab countries and protect their territories, and not to make decisions on their behalf.
He explained that stability in the Middle East depends on sustainable development, which in turn drives stability, expressing his hope that Middle Eastern countries can overcome old differences and achieve unity and cooperation to build a better future for the region.
He also stressed China’s commitment to continue supporting countries in the region in maintaining peace and stability, while enhancing cooperation and economic development.
In conclusion, Wang Yi pointed out that China will remain a reliable partner of Middle Eastern countries, and will continue to support them in their efforts to achieve peace, stability, and sustainable development.
