China's special envoy on Middle East affairs reiterated China's willingness to play a constructive role in easing tensions between Palestine and Israel and promoting peace talks.

Zhai Jun, the special envoy of the Chinese government on Middle East issues, made these remarks during his trip to the Middle East. On Thursday, he met with Russian President's special envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov, and Qatari Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, in Doha, Qatar.

Zhai emphasized that China is saddened by the humanitarian crisis, condemns all actions harming civilians, and opposes acts that violate international law.

He highlighted that the fundamental reason for the current situation is the failure to safeguard the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people.

Noting that China and Russia share the same stance on the Palestinian issue, Zhai informed Bogdanov, who is also a Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, that China is ready to maintain communication and coordination with Russia to de-escalate the situation as soon as possible and play a positive role in resuming Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

The Chinese envoy also called for efforts to implement a "two-state solution" and promote an early, comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question.

Bogdanov stated that the international community should collaborate to prevent further escalation of the crisis and its spillover into the region.

Russia is prepared to work with China to promote an early ceasefire and create conditions for a return to the right track on the Palestinian issue.

When meeting with Al-Khulaifi, Zhai mentioned that China consistently advocates for peace, talks, and a political settlement on the Palestinian issue. He added that China is in intensive communication with relevant parties in the international community to promote a ceasefire.

Zhai also noted that Qatar holds significant influence regarding the Palestinian issue and that China is ready to maintain communication and coordination with Qatar to play a constructive role in easing the current tense situation.

Al-Khulaifi informed Zhai that Qatar is actively involved in diplomatic mediation efforts to de-escalate the situation. He emphasized that Qatar attaches great importance to the role and influence of China and is prepared to strengthen communication to work toward an early, just, and reasonable settlement of the Palestinian question.

(Cover: A smoke plume erupts during Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern of Gaza Strip, October 19, 2023. /CFP )