In a significant diplomatic exchange, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, engaged in a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the latter’s invitation. The discussion revolved around the increasingly precarious situation in the Middle East, which Blinken was keen to brief Wang on during his ongoing visit. Additionally, the US Secretary of State expounded upon the United States’ stance regarding the Palestine-Israel conflict.
Wang Yi, who wears multiple hats as the Chinese Foreign Minister, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, stressed the importance of major powers maintaining objectivity and impartiality when dealing with international regional hotspot issues. He emphasized the need for calm and restraint, along with a commitment to upholding international law.
China, Wang noted, is resolute in its dedication to promoting peace and dialogue. In this context, he urged the United States to assume a constructive role in steering the issue back toward a path of political resolution. Wang asserted that the Palestine-Israel conflict stands at the precipice of escalation, with the potential to spiral out of control. China adamantly opposes any actions that jeopardize the safety of civilians and unequivocally condemns practices that contravene international law. He emphasized that safeguarding national security should never come at the expense of innocent civilians, categorically rejecting military means as a viable solution and highlighting that violence only perpetuates a vicious cycle.
Wang’s immediate priority was to achieve a ceasefire and de-escalation in the region as swiftly as possible, in order to prevent the exacerbation of a burgeoning humanitarian catastrophe. He stressed the necessity of adherence to international humanitarian law and the establishment of humanitarian aid channels. Additionally, Wang called for support of the United Nations (UN) in consolidating international consensus and urged the UN Security Council to fulfill its due role in addressing the crisis.
The Chinese diplomat reiterated that the fundamental solution to the Palestine issue lies in the implementation of a “two-state solution” and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, thereby enabling peaceful coexistence between the two sides. He underscored that peace in the Middle East hinges on reconciliation between the Arab and Israeli nations, and he called for the prompt convening of an international conference aimed at achieving a broad consensus on the matter.
Antony Blinken, in response, reiterated the US’s support for the “two-state solution” regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue. He also expressed the United States’ commitment to the UN’s involvement in alleviating the situation and providing humanitarian aid. Blinken further conveyed the US’s willingness to enhance communication and coordination with China on these matters.
Beyond the Middle East crisis, the two diplomats also discussed bilateral relations between China and the United States. They acknowledged that both nations had engaged in a series of high-level contacts, leading to signs of stabilization and recovery in bilateral relations. This positive development was viewed favorably by the people of both countries and the international community, according to Wang Yi.
Wang expressed hope that the United States would meet China halfway in implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state during their meeting in Bali, Indonesia. This would involve overcoming interference, removing obstacles, expanding the positive aspects of their relationship, and reducing the negative ones. He also urged the United States to respect China’s core interests and major concerns, with the ultimate aim of returning China-US relations to a stable and progressive trajectory.
Antony Blinken responded by affirming the United States’ commitment to work alongside China in implementing the significant consensus reached between the two presidents at the Bali Summit. He emphasized the need for responsible management of US-China relations and the mutual desire to promote stability in the bilateral relationship.
In summary, the phone call between China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was marked by discussions regarding the escalating Middle East situation and the Palestine-Israel conflict, as well as the state of bilateral relations between the two global powers. Both sides expressed a commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and stability in international affairs, with the hope of finding peaceful resolutions to global challenges.
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