UNITED NATIONS, (Xinhua) — A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called for the resumption of negotiations to defuse the tensions in the Gulf region.
China is deeply concerned over the renewed escalation of tensions in the Gulf region, said Sun Lei, the charge d’affaires of China’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
The U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding signed more than a month ago is a valuable outcome of the good offices and mediation efforts of multiple parties. It embodies the hope of the people of the Middle East for ending conflict and restoring peace and stability. The hard-won achievements should not be squandered, he told a Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
“Now that the door to negotiations has been opened, it should not be closed. As long as there remains hope for peace, efforts should not be abandoned,” Sun said. “The most urgent task is to stay committed to resolving disputes through negotiations and return to implementing the consensus reached in the MoU.”
China will continue to support the mediation efforts of Pakistan and other parties, promote the early resumption of dialogue and negotiations among the parties concerned, the early restoration of normal and secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, improved relations among neighboring countries, and the pursuit of collective security for the Gulf states, he said.
The Red Sea is an important international trade route. All parties concerned should respect the right of commercial vessels of all countries to navigate the Red Sea in accordance with international law, respect the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all countries, and jointly safeguard the safety and smooth flow of international shipping lanes, Sun said.
The parties concerned should continue to properly resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation and avoid actions that could further escalate confrontation, he said.
China welcomes the easing of tensions between Lebanon and Israel. Israel should complete its withdrawal from Lebanon. China supports Syria in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. The Golan Heights is occupied Syrian territory recognized by the international community, and the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement should be observed, Sun said.
The Middle East belongs to the people of the Middle East. The region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry or a victim of geopolitical competition, he said.
China will work with the international community to advance political solutions to hotspot issues in the region, support regional countries in pursuing independence, rebuilding mutual trust, and building a new regional security architecture suited to evolving realities, so as to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, Sun added.
