China urges global support for Arab unity and cooperation

A senior Chinese diplomat called on the international community to respect the autonomous choices of the people in the Middle East, pay attention to the legitimate concerns of regional countries, and support Arab states in resolving historical disputes, strengthening unity and cooperation, and exploring development paths suited to their national conditions.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks at a UN Security Council briefing on cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States on Thursday.

Fu noted that the Middle East is the region with the highest concentration of global hotspot issues, suffering from the devastation of wars and the plight of displaced populations.

History repeatedly demonstrates that military force is not the solution; political resolution is the only way forward, said the Chinese envoy.

Noting that Arab states possess unique advantages in handling Middle Eastern issues due to their geography, history, religion, and the peace wisdom inherited from their long-standing civilizations, Fu said the international community should support the Arab League and Arab states in actively carrying out conflict prevention and mediation.

Fu added that UN institutions, the UN Secretary-General's envoys, and special representatives should strengthen communication and coordination with Arab states to form a joint force.

The UN Security Council should respect the views of the Arab League and support the resolution of regional issues through regional approaches, Fu said.

He emphasized that the Middle East has long been mired in instability, which stems not only from a complex historical background but also from external forces engaging in geopolitical competition.

Noting that the US-Israel-Iran conflicts are quickly spreading across the Middle East, Fu said the distinction between right and wrong in the ongoing war is clear. The international community should adopt an objective and impartial stance, he added.

Stressing that this is a war that should never have happened and that continuing it will only cause more casualties and unnecessary losses, the Chinese envoy said the immediate priority is to stop military actions, prevent the escalation and spread of conflict, and encourage all parties to actively promote peace talks, seize opportunities for reconciliation and work to quell the flames of war.

Fu also said that the Palestinian issue has always been at the core of the Middle East problem.

Stressing that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to resolving the Palestinian issue, Fu said any other arrangements or the establishment of new mechanisms should adhere to the principle of "Palestinians governing Palestine," promoting rather than undermining the two-state solution.

China is committed to working with Arab states, using the upcoming second China-Arab States Summit as an opportunity to deepen strategic trust, strengthen mutual support, share development opportunities, enhance international cooperation and build a China-Arab community with a shared future, Fu added, aiming to contribute to peace and development in the Middle East.