Amidst accusations that Beijing is assisting Russia in its war against Ukraine, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a stark warning against the expansion of the conflict. During his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Sunday, Wang Yi emphasized the need for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution.
He firmly stated that China is not fueling the conflict or exploiting the situation for its own gain. “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,” Wang declared, as reported by AFP.
China, he affirmed, is dedicated to playing a constructive role in the conflict, engaging in shuttle mediation and actively promoting peace talks.
Turning his attention to the Israel-Lebanon conflict, Wang Yi underscored the importance of justice over might. He explicitly called for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive ceasefire in the Middle East, the Chinese Foreign Minister stressed that “the fundamental way out lies in the two-state solution.”
Wang Yi reiterated China’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s quest for their rightful national rights and their full membership in the United Nations.
The minister’s comments came amidst the tragic killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike, a development that reignited fighting in Lebanon.
According to Iranian media reports, a prominent Iranian general, Abbas Nilforushan, also perished in the same airstrike. Nilforushan, a 58-year-old member of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, was described as a “guest to the people of Lebanon” by Ahmad Reza Pour Khaghan, deputy head of Iran’s judiciary.
