Wang Yi: China, Germany can play constructive role in Mideast situation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday said China and Germany should play a constructive role in defusing Middle East tensions during a phone conversation with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

As responsible major countries, China and Germany should uphold an objective and impartial stance, play a constructive role, and work for an early cessation of hostilities and the restoration of peace and stability in the region, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

He said the military strikes against Iran by the United States and Israel were launched without authorization from the United Nations Security Council and constitute a clear violation of international law.

The sovereignty and security of Gulf states should be respected, civilians and non-military targets should be protected, and the safety of shipping lanes, energy supplies, and infrastructure should also be safeguarded, he said.

Wadephul said that the current situation surrounding Iran is grave and complex, inflicting severe repercussions on global economic, energy, and food security.

Bringing an early end to the conflict is in the common interest of the international community, he noted.

Germany supports the UN in fulfilling its due role, values the five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region proposed by China and Pakistan, and stands ready to maintain continued communication and cooperation with China, he added.