Beijing, China — China’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Wang Yi, announced on Wednesday the Special Middle East envoy would travel to the region to mediate the escalation sparked by the United States’ and Israel’s military attacks against Iran.
Wang proposed sending the representative during a telephone conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, to whom he conveyed that the spread of the conflict is something that China “does not wish to see.”
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According to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the minister said that “China strongly urges all parties to cease military operations, resume dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible, and avoid a further escalation of tensions.”
He described the indiscriminate use of force as “unacceptable,” especially “against innocent civilians or non-military targets.”
The minister also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s restraint and commitment to peaceful resolution and emphasized that the reconciliation achieved among regional countries is invaluable and must be promoted.
Wang’s words can be understood as a reference to the resumption of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in late 2003, during which China played a mediating role, a process that Beijing considers one of its greatest achievements in the Middle East.
The Saudi minister expressed his concern to Wang that the conflict continues to spread and intensify, and stressed that his country reserves the right to self-defense, hoping that the crisis will be resolved and de-escalated.
According to an official statement from Beijing, the chief of Saudi diplomacy also said that Riyadh is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to promote peace and stop the conflict.
As of Wednesday, Wang spoke with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates, Abdalá bin Zayed.
He emphasized that the “red line” of protecting civilians during the conflict must not be crossed, and that non-military targets, including those related to energy, the economy, and food security, must not be attacked.
In addition, he stressed on the importance of maintaining safe maritime routes.
It is the third consecutive day that Wang has maintained contact with countries involved in or affected by the conflict, including Israel, Oman, Iran, a close political ally and largest trading partner of China, and others.
SOURCE : EFE. | Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |
