Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Saturday reiterated China’s strong support for Palestine’s legitimate rights and its bid for full United Nations membership, while addressing the United Nations General Assembly.
Amid rising violence in the Middle East, Wang expressed Beijing’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“China has always been a staunch supporter of the just cause of the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate national rights, and a staunch supporter of Palestine’s full UN membership,” Wang said during his address.
He said that the Palestinian issue remains the “biggest wound to human conscience,” and expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Wang’s comments come amid renewed fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, a conflict that began nearly a year ago. Additionally, tensions have escalated after Israel’s airstrike in Beirut, which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, sparking fears of a broader regional conflict.
“The conflict in Gaza is still going on, causing more casualties with each passing day. Fighting has started in Lebanon again, but might cannot replace justice,” Wang remarked, urging the international community to act swiftly. “There must not be any delay in reaching a comprehensive ceasefire, and the fundamental way out lies in the two-state solution,” he added.
China has increased its diplomatic involvement in recent years, seeking to position itself as a global mediator. It hosted talks between Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah in July and played a key role in brokering a 2023 agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, both major players in the region.
While addressing the situation in the Middle East, Wang also touched upon the ongoing war in Ukraine, warning against the expansion of the conflict. China has faced accusations from Kyiv and its allies of supporting Russia’s war efforts, a claim Beijing has consistently denied. Nevertheless, Wang reiterated China’s stance on promoting peace and de-escalation.
“The top priority is to commit to no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting, and no provocation by any party, and push for de-escalation of the situation as soon as possible,” he said, positioning China as a potential peace broker. “China is committed to playing a constructive role, engaging in shuttle mediation and promoting talks for peace, not throwing oil on the fire or exploiting the situation for selfish gains.”
Wang concluded his address by reaffirming China’s commitment to peace and diplomacy. “For the sake of peace, a single ray of hope is reason enough not to give up. The slightest chance deserves a hundredfold effort,” he said, urging global powers to prioritize dialogue and ceasefire efforts in both the Middle East and Ukraine.