Chinese Foreign Minister Engages Iran and Saudi Arabia in Dialogue to De-escalate Middle East Situation
China Prioritizes Gaza Ceasefire, Regional Stability in Diplomatic Outreach to Iran and Saudi Arabia
Wang Yi expressed that China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria, believing that this incident seriously violates international law and is unacceptable. China noted that Iran stated that its actions were limited and exercised the right of self-defense in response to the attack on the embassy. China appreciates Iran's emphasis on not targeting regional countries and neighboring countries and reiterating its continued policy of friendly relations with neighbors. China believes that Iran can properly handle the situation, safeguarding Iran's sovereignty and dignity while avoiding further turbulence.
Wang said that the current situation is a spillover effect of the escalating conflict in Gaza. The top priority is to implement Security Council Resolution 2728 as soon as possible, achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, effectively protect civilians, and prevent further aggravation of the humanitarian disaster. China is willing to maintain communication with Iran and jointly promote a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. China and Iran are comprehensive strategic partners, and China is willing to steadily advance practical cooperation with Iran in various fields and promote greater development of China-Iran relations.
Source:https://www.mfa.gov.cn/web/wjdt_674879/gjldrhd_674881/202404/t20240415_11282042.shtml
Further info during today’s press conference: Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed during the phone call that China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria, believing that this incident seriously violates international law and is unacceptable. China noted that Iran stated that the actions taken by the Iranian side were limited and exercised the right of self-defense in response to the attack on the embassy. China appreciates Iran's emphasis on not targeting regional countries and neighboring countries and reiterating its continued policy of friendly relations with neighbors. China believes that Iran can properly handle the situation, safeguarding Iran's sovereignty and dignity while avoiding further turbulence.
Source:http://news.china.com.cn/2024-04/16/content_117129370.shtml
My take on this talk:
China's approach to de-escalating tensions between Iran and Israel showcases a deftly balanced diplomatic strategy. By unequivocally condemning the attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria as a grave violation of international law, China validates Iran's grievances and demonstrates solidarity. Simultaneously, China acknowledges Iran's characterization of its response as limited and defensive, appreciating Iran's assertion that it does not seek to target neighboring countries or further inflame regional tensions. This nuanced stance allows China to affirm Iran's right to protect its sovereignty and security interests while also encouraging measured restraint to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control. China's emphasis on the "limited and self-defensive" nature of Iran's actions serves as a tactful call for de-escalation, underscoring the importance of avoiding provocative moves that could lead to a wider conflagration. Through this carefully calibrated messaging, China seeks to create space for diplomacy, dialogue, and a peaceful resolution to the crisis while also maintaining its strategic partnership with Iran.
The same day, Wang also held talks with his counterpart in Saudi Arabia.
During the talk, Wang stated that China firmly opposes the attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria, which is a serious violation of international law. At the same time, we note that Iran has stated that its counterattack is not directed at any neighboring countries and that it is willing to continue pursuing a policy of friendly relations with its neighbors. The current situation faces a choice between further deterioration or a return to normalcy. China appreciates Saudi Arabia's emphasis on resolving issues through diplomatic means. We are willing to work with Saudi Arabia to prevent further escalation of the confrontation.
He emphasized that this round of escalation is the latest manifestation of the spillover of the Gaza conflict. The top priority is to strictly implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2728, immediately achieve an unconditional and lasting ceasefire, effectively protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian relief. The Palestinian people have long been unable to realize their legitimate national rights, which is the longest-lasting injustice of our time, the root of the Israeli-Palestinian issue, and the core of the Middle East problem. The direction for solving the problem is to implement the "two-state solution" as soon as possible, establish an independent Palestinian state, restore the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, and achieve peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine. The international community should take more active actions to support Palestine in becoming a formal member state of the United Nations and promote the convening of a larger-scale, more authoritative, and more effective international peace conference to form a timetable and roadmap for the implementation of the "two-state solution." China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Saudi Arabia and work together towards this end.
Wang said that Saudi Arabia is an important partner of China in the Middle East. China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Saudi Arabia, implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continuously deepen political mutual trust, and advance China-Saudi Arabia relations to a higher level.
Faisal stated that Saudi Arabia and China have highly consistent positions on the current situation in the Middle East. Both countries advocate resolving differences through dialogue and are committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is deeply concerned about the current escalation of the situation and hopes that the situation will return to normal as soon as possible. Saudi Arabia has high expectations for China to play an active and important role in this regard and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to promote an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, start the implementation of the "two-state solution," and achieve stability in the Middle East as soon as possible. Saudi Arabia fully trusts China and is willing to promote the continuous development of Saudi-China cooperation.
Source: https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202404/content_6945410.htm