China on Mideast conflict: No one can ensure their security by harming innocent civilians

BEIJING

The escalating tension in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in danger of spiraling out of control, and neither side can ensure its own security by harming innocent civilians, but the military option is no way out, China’s foreign minister told his US counterpart over the phone on Sunday.

Wang Yi told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that China condemns violations of international law and opposes harming civilians, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.

“The military option is not a way out in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, (as) responding to violence with violence will only create a ‘vicious cycle’,” he told Blinken.

Establishing a cease-fire between the parties and preventing a humanitarian disaster by reducing tensions is the most important priority, he added.

Stressing that channels for humanitarian aid should be opened, a compromise within a UN framework should be supported, and the Security Council should fulfill its role, Wang said the main way to solve the problem is implementation of the two-state solution, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, and the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine.

“There will be no peace in the Middle East without reconciliation between Israel and Arab countries,” he said.

The top Chinese diplomat reiterated his country's call for an international peace conference for comprehensive reconciliation.

Saying that major countries should follow a fair and objective attitude in international and regional crises, act with calmness and restraint, and lead in adherence to international law, Wang added: "China will continue to encourage peace talks. The US should also play a constructive role and bring a political solution back on track as soon as possible."

Blinken also stated that his country supports a two-state solution to the problem and a UN role in reducing tensions and providing humanitarian aid, adding that the US is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China, said the ministry statement.

The conversation followed an announcement by Beijing that it is sending an envoy to the Mideast region this week to seek a path to peace.