The situation in the Middle East remains turbulent. During a phone call with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the continuation of war brings nothing but harm, and expressed support for Gulf countries to take the future and destiny of the region into their own hands.
According to a notice published on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website in the early hours of Wednesday, Wang Yi spoke with Mohammed by phone on Tuesday upon request. Mohammed briefed Wang on the regional situation and Qatar’s position, emphasizing that Qatar had to take necessary self-defense measures, while simultaneously stepping up diplomatic efforts to contain and prevent the crisis from escalating. Qatar appreciates China's commitment to fairness and mediation, and hopes that China will play a bigger role in achieving a ceasefire and ending the war.
Wang Yi said that as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has always adhered to principle and fairness in international affairs. The United States and Israel’s military action against Iran without Security Council authorization is a clear violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations. At the same time, China does not agree with expanding the scope of strikes and condemns indiscriminate attacks on civilians and non-military targets.
Wang Yi stated that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Gulf Arab states should be respected. He said the continuation of war brings nothing but harm and will only lead to greater losses for all parties. China calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a political resolution, supporting Gulf countries in taking the future and destiny of the region into their own hands. China will continue to play a constructive role in easing the situation and restoring peace in its own way.
On the other hand, Wang Yi also spoke by phone with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar upon request that same day. Wang Yi said that as all-weather strategic partners, China and Pakistan have a fine tradition of communication and coordination on major international and regional issues. Both sides promptly expressed firm positions on the Iran situation.