Ceasefire in Gaza an overriding priority, says Chinese foreign minister

FM Wang Yi urges international community to 'act now'

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi deemed Israel's war in Gaza a 'humanitarian catastrophe' and said that China will continue its efforts towards enforcement of a ceasefire.

In an exclusive conversation with an Al Jazeera correspondent, Foreign Minister Yi delved into China's multifaceted approach to international relations and the country's policy on various rising global issues.

Minister Yi addressed Israel's war on Gaza, the Ukraine-US conflict, China-US relations, tensions in the Red Sea, and the Taiwan issue.

Asked about China's efforts towards promoting a possible ceasefire in Gaza, Yi summed up the country's stance by outlining four key measures.

Minister Wang Yi began by condemning the prolonged conflict in Gaza, labelling it a "humanitarian catastrophe that violates the principles of modern civilization." He emphasized the urgent need for action from the international community, terming a ceasefire "an overriding priority".

"The international community must act now," he said.

Yi stressed the necessity of realizing a ceasefire without delay, highlighting the recent UN Security Council resolution as a binding mandate that should be enforced promptly to achieve lasting peace.

"We have vigorously supported the early establishment of a humanitarian relief mechanism, and have continuously provided humanitarian assistance to Gaza," the FM asserted.

Wang Yi emphasized the importance of unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery to alleviate the suffering of civilians.

"China will continue to work with the international community to channel all our efforts toward the ceasefire resolution enforcement," Yi said.

Wang Yi urged all parties to exercise restraint to avoid exacerbating tensions, particularly in light of recent hostilities between Iran and Israel.

"The escalation of Iran-Israel hostilities is the latest spillover of the conflict in Gaza," he said. The minister called for the redress of historical injustices faced by the Palestinian people, advocating for the recognition of their legitimate national rights and the implementation of a two-state solution.

He emphasized China's commitment to supporting Palestinian unity, full UN membership, and establishing the independent state of Palestine. “The Palestinians governing Palestine,” he added.

"The only way to break the vicious cycle of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is to eliminate the breeding ground of extremism and hatred."

The FM advocated for a 'broad-based, more authoritative and more effective international peace conference' to define a roadmap to achieve a two-state solution, to ensure lasting peace and harmony between Israel and Palestine, and among Arab and Jewish communities.

Rising tensions in Red Sea

Amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea region, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced the deployment of several hundred servicemen in an escort fleet for cargo ships.

In response to questions regarding the implications of these tensions, Minister Yi articulated China's stance and proposed measures to mitigate the situation.

Wang Yi emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding peace and stability in the Red Sea, "China is deeply concerned about this."

He underscored the need to protect global supply chains and maintain the international trade order, which he said serves the interests of both the region and the wider international community.

Yi explained China's position on the Red Sea tensions through four points. Firstly, he condemned the attacks and harassment on civilian vessels in the Red Sea.

"There is no excuse at all for attacks on civilians."

Secondly, he called for collective efforts from the international community to ensure safe passage in the Red Sea.

"All parties are expected to play a constructive role toward de-escalation," he urged.

Thirdly, Wang Yi identified the Gaza conflict as a root cause of the rising tensions in the Red Sea, advocating for an early ceasefire in Gaza to prevent further spillovers.

Lastly, the minister stressed that "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen and other Red Sea countries should be upheld in earnest."

While clarifying that China's current naval escort mission is unrelated to the Red Sea situation, Wang Yi highlighted China's longstanding commitment to safeguarding security in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

He noted that since 2008, the Chinese navy has deployed numerous task groups to deter pirates and conduct humanitarian operations, contributing significantly to maintaining security in those waters.

Wang Yi affirmed China's readiness to engage with all parties involved and reiterated China's commitment to restore peace. "We stand ready to coordinate more closely with regional countries and work together."

Read China calls war in Gaza 'a disgrace to civilisation'

He concluded by affirming China's dedication to the global security Initiative and its ongoing efforts to protect international shipping lanes and promote a shared future for mankind.

Ukraine crisis

In response to inquiries regarding China's role in mediating the Ukraine crisis as Russia's primary strategic partner, Minister Wang Yi reiterated China's stance and efforts toward promoting peace through negotiations.

The minister began by stating: "China's position on the [Ukraine] issue is consistent, unequivocal and transparent." Yi clarified that while China is not directly involved in the conflict, it remains actively engaged in seeking a peaceful resolution.

He said over the past two years, President Xi Jinping has held extensive discussions with leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and other relevant countries, advocating for peaceful negotiations as the only viable solution.

"China has made tireless efforts to promote ceasefire and end the fighting."

He added that China has pursued various diplomatic initiatives, including the release of a position paper on the Ukraine crisis and numerous visits by its special representatives to relevant countries.

The efforts, he noted, aimed to facilitate dialogue, convey messages, clarify positions, and urge all parties to seek common ground for a political settlement. "All sides should play their due part, and build up mutual trust to create conditions for ending hostility."

Wang Yi stressed the importance of international solidarity and concerted efforts to de-escalate the crisis.

"At present, the danger of further deterioration and escalation of the crisis still exists."

He reiterated China's support for an international conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the need for equal participation and fair discussions to achieve a ceasefire and end hostilities.

"It is imperative to address both symptoms and root causes," he said.

Yi cautioned against exploiting the crisis for selfish gains or provoking bloc confrontation. He emphasized the importance of addressing both the symptoms and root causes of the crisis.

"We will work with all parties constructively to promote the political settlement of the crisis, and contribute more to regional tranquility and security and enduring world peace," Yi concluded.

China-Taiwan tension

The Chinese FM also addressed concerns regarding the situation across the Taiwan Strait. He emphasized China's historical and legal claims over Taiwan and condemned 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities.

Wang Yi stated, "Taiwan has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times," citing the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Declaration as legal instruments that affirm Taiwan's status as Chinese territory.

He added, "The Taiwan question is entirely China’s internal affair, and how to achieve national reunification is a matter for the Chinese people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait."

Yi criticized countries providing support to 'Taiwan independence' elements, warning that such actions increase the risk of conflict and undermine regional stability.

Wang Yi reiterated China's commitment to peaceful reunification with Taiwan, stating, "No force can stop it."

"China will ultimately achieve complete reunification, and Taiwan is bound to return to the embrace of the motherland," he affirmed.

Wang Yi called upon the international community to uphold the one-China principle and support China's efforts to oppose 'Taiwan independence' activities.

He expressed confidence that both Middle Eastern countries and the broader international community will continue to stand by China in its pursuit of national reunification.

"We also firmly believe that Middle East countries and the international community will stay committed to the one-China principle."

China-US relations

FM Wang Yi provided insights into China's perspective on the US election and the future of China-US relations. He emphasized the importance of a stable and cooperative relationship.

"The China-US relationship bears on the well-being of the Chinese and American peoples and the future of humanity and the world," Yi stated.

The minister noted that the US persists in its flawed perception of China and continues to advance its policy aimed at containing China.

"It has recently continued to woo its so-called allies in an attempt to provoke tensions at sea in the region and build networks to contain China at a faster pace," Yi maintained.

He referenced a previous meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden in San Francisco, where they agreed on a future-oriented vision for the relationship.

Expressing concerns about the US' policies toward China, he criticized the US' efforts to contain China through means such as provoking tensions in the region and imposing unilateral sanctions. He urged the US to abandon its Cold War mentality and adopt a more cooperative approach.

Regarding the US election, Wang Yi reiterated China's policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. "China never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries."

He emphasized the need for continued exchanges and cooperation between China and the US, regardless of the election outcome.

Wang Yi conveyed President Xi's message from a recent phone call with President Biden, stating, "Two big countries like China and the United States should not cut off exchanges or turn their back on each other, still less slide into conflict or confrontation."