On Friday, China called for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict and urged Israel to stop “the collective punishment of the people in Gaza.”
Comments from China
During an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Chinese Permanent Representative to the UN, Zhang Jun, called for an immediate ceasefire so that “a more serious humanitarian disaster” could be prevented.
“China condemns all violence and attacks against civilians and opposes any actions that violate international law. China once again calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, support all efforts to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, prevent the further escalation of tensions and prevent the spillover of the conflict, which could have a greater impact on regional and international security,” Zhang said.
The ambassador added that China is “deeply concerned” about the “consequences of Israel’s comprehensive blockade over Gaza Strip and the order for the emergency evacuation of the northern Gaza residents.”
Further, he called on Israel to “seriously listen to the international community and the UN Secretary-General’s appeal,” including stopping “the collective punishment of the people in Gaza” and avoiding “exacerbating an unfolding humanitarian disaster.”
China's special envoy to visit Middle East, aims on Palestine-Israel conflict #Gaza pic.twitter.com/QfavovPHpN
— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) October 15, 2023
Zhang also stressed that the “fundamental solution” to the issue “lies in restoring genuine negotiations as soon as possible, realising the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and achieving peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel.”
He suggested that the international community “adhere to the fundamental direction of the “two-state solution,” promote broader consensus, and establish a timetable and roadmap” for the same.
On the same day, Chinese FM Wang Yi echoed the sentiment during a meeting with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, saying that the “root” of the conflict “lies in the long-delayed realisation of the Palestinian people’s aspiration for independence and statehood, and the historical injustices they have suffered that have yet to be rectified.”
He further accused Israel’s actions in Gaza of going “beyond the scope of self-defence.”
US Urges Support for Israel
Comments from China come after top US lawmakers recently urged Beijing to take a stronger stance on the conflict.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said last week that Washington was “very disappointed” with Beijing’s statement on the matter, which refrained from explicitly condemning the Palestinian attack.
He added that the foreign ministry’s statement “showed no sympathy or support for Israel during these tough, troubled times.”
“I urge you and the Chinese people to stand with the Israeli people and condemn these cowardly and vicious attacks,” Schumer told Wang.