Beijing, 18 April 2023 (GNP): On Tuesday, State Media Xinhua reported that China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, assured his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts that Beijing is eager to mediate the resumption of Israel-Palestine peace talks as part of its global security initiative.
China ready to facilitate resumption of peace talks between Israel, Palestine: FM
https://t.co/1LTOgAdS90 pic.twitter.com/M35lfj5x8R— Zhang Heqing (@zhang_heqing) April 18, 2023
The latest phone calls by Qin to Israeli and Palestinian foreign ministers follow China’s quest to serve as a regional mediator.
In a region where the United States has long served as the primary diplomatic power broker, China recently succeeded in mediating the resumption of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March. The two countries were strong rivals.
Qin Gang and China’s State Councilor stated on Monday that China supports both Israel and Palestine to embrace political strength and take measures to restart peace talks, and China is willing to facilitate this.
Speaking on a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen Chinese Foreign Minister Qin said that China feels concerned about the standoff between Israel and Palestine right now and the main objective at this point is to keep the situation under control and stop the conflict from expanding or possibly going out of hand.
He also added that the primary solution is to restart peace negotiations and put the “two-state solution” into effect. All sides should remain calm and in moderation and avoid harsh and abrasive words and actions.
Foreign Minister Qin asserted that it is never too late to do the right thing.
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Foreign minister Qin further assured Elin Cohen, foreign minister of Israel, that regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, China has no self-serving interests; all it wants is for Israel and Palestine to coexist in peace and stability within the region.
Foreign minister Cohen appreciated China for its desire to facilitate the Israel-Palestine peace talks and said Israel aims to defuse the situation, but a quick solution to the dispute is unlikely. Israel values China’s influence and is highly concerned about the Iranian nuclear issue, Cohen said adding that it expects China to play a constructive role.
Foreign Minister Qin mentioned the recent resumption of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran as a perfect example of how issues can be resolved through dialogue.
Everyone involved is urged to take advantage of the current favorable situation to advance dialogue and reconciliation, carry out the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan on the Iran nuclear issue, and uphold stability and peace in the Middle East, said Qin.
According to a Xinhua report, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki was also assured by Qin that Beijing supports the immediate resumption of Israel-Palestine peace talks.
