Middle East Archives - Friends of Socialist China

China demands an end to Israeli ceasefire violations and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza

China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong has again reiterated his country’s strong solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemned Israel for its ceasefire violations, continued obstruction of desperately needed humanitarian aid and worsening settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on November 24, Fu began by stating that: “The Palestinian question lies at the heart of the Middle East issue and bears on peace and security in the region and beyond.”

He continued: “We welcome the agreement reached on the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire. However, peace between Palestine and Israel is still far from being achieved, and the suffering of civilians continues. We call on the international community to work harder with the greatest sense of urgency and unwavering political will toward restoring peace in the region.”

In this regard, he advanced four points:

Achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza is a top priority. We note with concern that violent clashes persist despite the ceasefire. Israel has reportedly committed over 400 violations of the agreement, resulting in more than 300 civilian deaths in Gaza. A ceasefire means the complete cessation of all attacks and should be observed by all parties in good faith. Any incident causing civilian casualties is unacceptable and repeated attacks must not become the new normal in Gaza.

Scaling up humanitarian assistance for Gaza is a matter of urgency. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with severe shortages of essential supplies and medical equipment. Humanitarian access to Gaza continues to face multiple obstacles, and the aid that does reach Gaza falls far short of the quantity specified in the ceasefire agreement. The International Court of Justice has issued multiple advisory opinions and orders of provisional measures, stating unequivocally that, as the occupying power, Israel is under obligation to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Easing tensions in the West Bank is a pressing demand. The occupying power’s continued settlement expansion and connivance of settler violence have further fuelled the tensions in the West Bank. As documented by the UN, there were more than 260 incidents of settler violence last month alone, resulting in significant civilian casualties and property damage, making it the most devastating month since 2006.

Implementing the two-State solution is the only way out. Both Gaza and the West Bank are inseparable parts of the Palestinian state. Any future arrangements on Gaza should be guided by the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine and respect the will of the Palestinian people. The international community must redouble efforts to advance the two-State solution, oppose any unilateral actions that undermine its foundation, and support the early realisation of independent Palestinian statehood and its full UN membership.

We reproduce Fu Cong’s full statement below. It was originally published on the website of China’s permanent mission to the UN.

In this regard, he advanced four points:

Achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza is a top priority. We note with concern that violent clashes persist despite the ceasefire. Israel has reportedly committed over 400 violations of the agreement, resulting in more than 300 civilian deaths in Gaza. A ceasefire means the complete cessation of all attacks and should be observed by all parties in good faith. Any incident causing civilian casualties is unacceptable and repeated attacks must not become the new normal in Gaza.

Scaling up humanitarian assistance for Gaza is a matter of urgency. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with severe shortages of essential supplies and medical equipment. Humanitarian access to Gaza continues to face multiple obstacles, and the aid that does reach Gaza falls far short of the quantity specified in the ceasefire agreement. The International Court of Justice has issued multiple advisory opinions and orders of provisional measures, stating unequivocally that, as the occupying power, Israel is under obligation to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Easing tensions in the West Bank is a pressing demand. The occupying power’s continued settlement expansion and connivance of settler violence have further fuelled the tensions in the West Bank. As documented by the UN, there were more than 260 incidents of settler violence last month alone, resulting in significant civilian casualties and property damage, making it the most devastating month since 2006.

Implementing the two-State solution is the only way out. Both Gaza and the West Bank are inseparable parts of the Palestinian state. Any future arrangements on Gaza should be guided by the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine and respect the will of the Palestinian people. The international community must redouble efforts to advance the two-State solution, oppose any unilateral actions that undermine its foundation, and support the early realisation of independent Palestinian statehood and its full UN membership.

We reproduce Fu Cong’s full statement below. It was originally published on the website of China’s permanent mission to the UN.

China ‘supports just cause of Palestinian people’, urges lasting ceasefire

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and urged the international community to step up efforts to support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

In his congratulatory message to a UN meeting held on November 25 to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Xi said the Palestinian issue lies at the heart of the Middle East conflict, affecting international fairness, justice, and regional stability. “As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights.”

He added that post-conflict governance and reconstruction in Gaza should be carried out under the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine,” with full respect for the will of the Palestinian people and said the Palestinian issue is also a test of the effectiveness of the global governance system.

He called on nations to confront the root causes of the Palestinian issue, shoulder responsibility, take strong actions, correct historical injustices and uphold fairness and justice.

The following article was originally published by Palestine Chronicle.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and urged the international community to step up efforts to support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, according to Chinese media cited by the Anadolu news agency.

In his congratulatory message to a UN meeting held on Tuesday to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Xi said the Palestinian issue lies at the heart of the Middle East conflict, affecting international fairness, justice, and regional stability, the Xinhua news agency reported.

China explains its abstention in UN Gaza vote

On November 17, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 2803 (2025), which sets out proposed post-war arrangements for the Palestinian territory of Gaza. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favour and no votes against. China and Russia abstained from the vote. As permanent members of the Security Council, a negative vote by either country would have vetoed the resolution.

Following the vote, China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong made an explanatory statement. He began by stating that:

“Gaza, brutalised by two years of war, is a land of ruins in dire need of rebuilding. Over two million people continue to live in deprivation and struggle in displacement. China supports the Security Council in taking all necessary actions to achieve a lasting ceasefire, relieve the humanitarian disaster, and launch post-war reconstruction to rekindle the hope of peace and development for the people in Gaza.”

However, he added: “Regrettably, the draft resolution that was just voted on is lacking in many respects and is deeply worrisome” and went on to set out four points in this regard:

The draft resolution is vague and unclear on many critical elements. The penholder requests the Council to authorise the establishment of a Board of Peace and international stabilisation force, which will play a key role in the post-war governance in Gaza. It should have explained in details their structure, composition, terms of reference, and criteria of participation, among others… However, the draft resolution contains skimpy details on these critical elements.

The draft resolution does not demonstrate the fundamental principle of Palestinians governing Palestine. Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people, not to anyone else. Any post-war arrangements must respect the will of the Palestinian people… The draft resolution outlines post-war governance arrangements for Gaza, but it seems that Palestine is barely visible in it, and the Palestinian sovereignty and ownership are not fully reflected.

The draft resolution does not ensure the effective participation of the UN and its Security Council… The UN has ample experience and capacities in post-conflict recovery and economic reconstruction and should therefore play a vital role in Gaza’s post-war governance. However, no such arrangement is made in the draft resolution.

The draft resolution is not a product of full consultations among Council members. Less than two weeks after introducing the draft resolution, the penholder rushed the Council into making a critical decision on the future and destiny of Gaza. Council members responsibly engaged in the consultations, raising a lot of constructive questions and suggestions, but most of them were not taken on board.

However: “Notwithstanding the above-mentioned many issues in the draft resolution and China’s major concerns about it, considering the fragile and severe situation in Gaza, the imperative of maintaining the ceasefire, and the positions of the regional countries and Palestine, China abstained in the vote. It must also be noted that our concerns and worries remain… The Palestinian question lies at the heart of the Middle East issues. It is a matter about international equity and justice… China has always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights. We stand ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts for a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question.”

KJ Noh: Washington has been preparing for war with China for over a decade

This wide-ranging interview with political analyst KJ Noh on India and Global Left centres on China’s geopolitical role, the US’s evolving imperial strategy, and the urgent need for solidarity among the nations of the Global South.

KJ begins by responding to the criticism that China is not doing enough to end the genocide in Palestine. He states bluntly: “let’s be clear – no country is doing enough. We are witnessing a live-streamed genocide – children are starving, journalists and doctors are being killed, and an entire population is being besieged and starved. This cannot and should not be tolerated.”

Nonetheless, he contends that blaming third parties such as China diverts responsibility from the Western powers funding, arming and shielding Israel. “In reality, this is not just an Israeli genocide — it is a US-led imperial genocide, with Israel acting as the subcontractor. The project of colonisation and control of West Asia’s resources is part of a larger imperial strategy.”

Regarding China’s position, KJ notes that China was one of the first countries to recognise the State of Palestine, and has long supported its liberation struggle. China last year hosted reconciliation talks among 14 Palestinian factions and has explicitly backed the right of occupied peoples to armed resistance. He further argues that China’s approach is constrained by international structures it cannot unilaterally override.

Turning to US policy and the unfolding New Cold War, KJ asserts that Washington has been preparing for war with China since at least 2009, when the “Air-Sea Battle” doctrine was formulated — a continuation of its “Shock and Awe” strategy of pre-emptive decapitation. He describes a three-stage process of escalation: information warfare, military positioning and provocation, warning that the US now considers tactical nuclear weapons usable. The US, he argues, seeks proxies such as Taiwan Province, the Philippines and South Korea to wage a regional war that could quickly turn nuclear.

To avoid becoming proxy battlegrounds, KJ urges that countries of the Global South build sovereignty — digital, financial, energy, and territorial — and strengthen mutual alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

China strongly condemns US misuse of veto to shield Israel

On September 18, the United States yet again abused its veto power in the United Nations Security Council to block a call for a ceasefire and an end to the carnage and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

In this regard, Chinese Ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong has made three strong statements decrying the actions of the United States and Israel and in support of the just and inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people.

Speaking at a United Nations General Assembly debate on the matter, held on October 1, he said:

“Time and again, the Security Council has sought to take actions, only to be forcefully blocked by the United States again and again. On September 18, the United States once again vetoed a Security Council draft resolution on Gaza. China expresses its deep disappointment and regret over this. If it were not for the United States’ repeated abuse of the veto, the Security Council’s response to the Gaza crisis would not have been so inadequate. If it were not for the United States’ shielding of Israel, Council resolutions and international law would not have been so flagrantly violated.”

He outlined three imperatives as follows:

A lasting ceasefire in Gaza must be achieved immediately. History has repeatedly demonstrated that military means is not the way out, and that one’s own security cannot be built on the insecurity of others.

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must be alleviated. Under the man-made blockade, Gaza is witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. China reiterates that the weaponisation of humanitarian aid is unacceptable, the militarisation of aid distribution mechanism is unacceptable, and attacks on aid-seeking civilians and humanitarian workers are unacceptable.

The two-State solution must be implemented. Both Gaza and the West Bank are inseparable parts of the Palestinian territory. Any post-war governance and reconstruction arrangements must adhere to the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine and respect the will of the Palestinian people.

At a UN Security Council briefing on September 29, he noted: “Last week, at the general debate of the 80th UN General Assembly, the high-level meeting on the implementation of the two-State solution, and other major events, the international community once again issued a powerful call for an immediate end to the killings, for saving lives, and for achieving peace. This is not merely the most fundamental requirement for upholding fairness and justice. More importantly, it is the bare minimum required by human morality and conscience.

Symbolic significance of Western states’ recognition of Palestine

In late September, several Western states, including Britain, France, Canada, Australia and others, formally recognised the State of Palestine. This follows similar moves over the last two years by Ireland, Norway and Spain, bringing the total to 157 UN member states. The recognition reflects growing outrage at Israel’s devastating assault on Gaza, which has killed more than 65,000 people and destroyed the bulk of the territory’s infrastructure. UN investigators have confirmed what is widely known: that Israel is committing genocide, deliberately targeting civilians and obstructing food supplies.

In the following article for Beijing Review, Carlos Martinez observes that China recognised the State of Palestine in 1988 – being one of the first countries to do so – and has long been a consistent supporter of Palestinian national rights. Since the beginning of the current genocide, Beijing has called for an immediate, comprehensive ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, the restoration of humanitarian aid, and top-level negotiations towards a lasting peace based on Palestinian statehood.

Carlos notes that, last year, China hosted representatives of 14 Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, facilitating the Beijing Declaration on national unity. Chinese officials have also defended the Palestinian right to resist colonial occupation at the International Court of Justice.

The stark contrast between Washington’s obstructionism and China’s active promotion of peace underscores a broader global divergence: China is increasingly seen as a stabilising force advocating dialogue and justice, while the US is perceived as hegemonistic and destabilising.

The article concludes:

While wider recognition of Palestinian statehood represents a victory for Palestinians, it is a largely symbolic step. Gaza is experiencing the worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century. Illegal settlements are expanding in the West Bank. Self-determination and national rights for Palestinians are still far from being realised.

The peoples of the world must continue to mobilise to demand an immediate ceasefire, an immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops, an end to the siege, a resumption of full humanitarian aid, and the earliest possible UN-level dialogue towards a just and lasting peace and the realisation of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people.

In late September, a number of Western countries including Britain, Canada, Australia, France, Portugal, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco announced their formal recognition of the State of Palestine.

This follows similar announcements by Ireland, Norway and Spain last year, meaning that 157 out of 193 United Nations member states now recognize Palestinian statehood, which was originally declared by the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1988.

That these Western countries, longstanding supporters of Israel, have finally chosen to extend formal recognition to Palestine is a significant development, and reflects the growing international revulsion at Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza, which has to date resulted in the deaths of at least 65,000 people, the majority of them women and children.

Gaza’s infrastructure has been systematically destroyed, with hospitals, schools, water and power supplies deliberately targeted. A new report by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has found that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza. The report continues: “It is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention.”

International bodies have also confirmed that Israel is deliberately obstructing the entry of food into Gaza and that, as a result, there is an ongoing famine in the territory.

The horrors of this war have shocked public opinion around the world, leading to a powerful global mass solidarity movement which has become too big to ignore. This has prompted governments in the West to reconsider their position on Palestinian statehood.

China condemns Israel’s brazen attack on Qatar

China has strongly condemned the Israeli bombing of Qatar on September 9.

Speaking at a September 11 meeting of the United Nations Security Council called by Algeria, Pakistan and Somalia, and held in the presence of the Prime Minister of Qatar as well as senior representatives of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ambassador Fu Cong described the attack as being, “in flagrant violation of Qatar’s territorial sovereignty and national security, international law and the UN Charter, and efforts to achieve peace. China resolutely opposes this and strongly condemns such an act.”

He added: “It is well known that Qatar, as an important mediator in the ceasefire negotiations, has made great efforts to promote the ceasefire and restore peace in Gaza, which has been highly appreciated by the international community. We note that on September 7, the US put forward a new ceasefire proposal and claimed that Israel had agreed to it. However, just two days later, a Hamas delegation discussing the ceasefire proposal was attacked by Israel. Such an act of bad faith, irresponsibility, and deliberate sabotage of the negotiations is indeed despicable.”

Referring to the United States in particular, Ambassador Fu stated: “We would like to advise these major countries, in the interest of regional peace and stability, to take a fair and responsible stance and play a constructive role along with the international community in promoting a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities and in easing tensions in the region.”

He also said that: “The Gaza conflict has been going on for almost two years, resulting in a humanitarian catastrophe that is appalling and unprecedented in nature. During this period, we have witnessed over and over again the violation of international law and the undermining of the basic norms of international relations. The world should not return to the law of the jungle, and the Middle East should not remain in a state of perpetual war.”

The previous day, at the regular press conference given by the Foreign Ministry in Beijing, Spokesperson Lin Jian was asked by China-Arab TV for China’s response to the attack. He replied:

“China strongly condemns the attack yesterday in Doha, Qatar and firmly opposes Israel’s violation of Qatar’s territorial integrity and national security. We are deeply concerned that the attack could lead to further escalation in the region and disapprove of the actions taken by relevant parties to deliberately jeopardise Gaza ceasefire talks. Use of force will not bring peace to the Middle East. Dialogue and negotiation is the fundamental way out. It will soon be two years since the conflict broke out in Gaza. China strongly calls on relevant sides, especially Israel, to make an effort to end the fighting and resume talks, instead of the other way around.”

As a follow up, Global Times requested comment on reports that Israel gave the United States prior notice of its attack. Lin Jian replied:

“We are deeply concerned over relevant reports. Israel’s air strike on Hamas targets in Doha severely violated Qatar’s territorial sovereignty and national security and will escalate the tensions in the region. This has everything to do with the deeply tilted position of certain non-regional country on the Middle East issue. We urge certain major country to act in the interest of regional peace and stability, adopt a just and responsible stance, and work with the international community to play a constructive role for stopping the conflict and easing the tensions.”

A few days later, on Tuesday 16 September, the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council held an urgent debate regarding Israel’s attack, at the request of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Chen Xu, China’s permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, delivered a speech pointing out that Israel’s attack on Qatar constitutes a blatant violation of Qatar’s territorial sovereignty and national security, contravenes international law and the UN Charter and undermines peace efforts. Global Times reports:

“Chen emphasized that the abuse of force is not the solution to resolving issues. China calls on all relevant parties, especially Israel, to make more positive efforts to cease hostilities and resume negotiations, earnestly fulfill their obligations under international human rights law and humanitarian law, and respect the right to life of people in neighboring countries. China stands ready to work with the international community to play a constructive role in promoting a ceasefire, ending the conflict, and easing regional tensions, Chen stated.”

The following article was originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Remarks on the Situation in the Middle East by Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Emergency Briefing

President,

At the UN Security Council and on the streets of Taipei, Chinese people speak out for Palestine

China has firmly condemned the Israeli government’s genocidal plan to reoccupy Gaza.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on August 10, Ambassador Fu Cong said that: “The Gaza conflict has persisted for 22 months, leading to over 61,000 civilian deaths and resulting in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe… Given the urgency at hand, the international community, including the Security Council, must take all necessary actions before a greater disaster unfolds.”

He then put forward ‘four musts’:

Any attempt to occupy Gaza must be firmly opposed. Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people. It is an integral part of the Palestinian territory. Any action that seeks to alter its demographic and territorial structure must be met with utmost rejection and resistance.

The illusion of military supremacy must be abandoned… The country with significant influence over the parties must uphold a just and responsible stance and take concrete steps to push forward a ceasefire. [Referring to the United States, which was alone among Security Council members in refusing to criticise Israeli actions.]

The humanitarian disaster in Gaza must be alleviated. Gaza is on the verge of famine, with nearly 200 people having already died of starvation. Israel issued forced evacuation orders one after another, affecting over 87% of the Gazan territory and repeatedly displacing more than 1.9 million people. The lives of two million Gazans must not be the sacrifice of the war. The weaponisation of humanitarian supplies is unacceptable. The collective punishment of the Gazan people is unacceptable. Attacking civilians and humanitarian workers as they search for supplies is equally unacceptable.

The prospect of the two-State solution must be reinvigorated. Implementing the two-State solution is the only viable path to resolving the Palestinian question.

Meanwhile, on August 3, the Middle East Monitor, citing the Andalou News Agency, reported that hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists in Taipei, capital of China’s Taiwan, banged pots and pasted mock banknotes smeared with red dye symbolising blood on Israeli and Taiwanese separatist flags outside Taiwan’s “Foreign Ministry”. They accused Taipei’s envoy to Israel of pledging money to a health centre inside an illegal Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank and demanded that the Taiwan authorities halt all financial assistance to Israel. The website noted that Taiwan, “has deepened ties with Israel since the Gaza war erupted nearly two years ago. It has launched a parliamentary friendship group, donated $500,000 to Israeli medical patrols, opened a reciprocal working-holiday program, as well as encouraged technology and trade cooperation.”

The Taiwan International Workers Association, which fights for the rights and interests of migrant workers on the island, says that several Taiwanese firms supply components used in American and Israeli weapons systems.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese UN Mission and by Middle East Monitor.

Remarks by Ambassador Fu Cong on the Palestinian-Israeli Issue at the UN Security Council Briefing

President,

China supports the initiative of the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Greece, and Slovenia to convene this meeting. We also thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča and Mr Ramesh Rajasingham for their briefings.

China and Iran consolidate ties in face of US-Israeli aggression

A Chinese international relations scholar has outlined the broad prospects for further consolidation and development of bilateral friendly relations with Iran.

Writing in the Tehran Times on August 4, Dr. Jin Liangxiang, Senior Fellow at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS), noted that China-Iran mutual political trust has reached a new and higher level since last October’s meeting between the two heads of state on the sideline of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.

When Iran faced outright aggression from Israel and the United States in June, China promptly expressed its solidarity, with President Xi Jinping putting forward a four-point peace proposal, Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaking with his Iranian counterpart twice within 12 days, and introducing a resolution for an immediate ceasefire in the United Nations Security Council, together with Russia and Pakistan.

Dr. Jin further notes that China and Iran, as two great nations with ancient civilisations, have long histories of resilience in the face of adversity and crisis. This shared legacy has fostered a deep-rooted aspiration for independence within their national identities – an outlook that leaves little room for illusions about Western hegemonic power.

However: “There used to be illusions for so-called Western liberal democracy in the two countries, which took it for granted that human rights would be protected. Some even had illusions that non-Western countries like China and Iran could be treated fairly, their legitimate rights could be regarded and national dignity could be respected.”

But US support for and European countries’ silence in regard to Israel’s genocide in Palestine, among other issues, had manifested fully the hypocritical nature of the policies of the West. “The illusions of the two [countries], though never mainstream, for the West had been shattered.”

As a result, as more people return to a realistic understanding of global dynamics, both nations are becoming increasingly resolute in advancing their relationship.

The relationship has been further institutionalised through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS. “Iran’s membership in the two institutions had greatly enhanced the legitimacy of the two institutions.”

Jin also points out that: “China has grown much more mature and confident in resisting America’s political and economic pressures. China and the US had conducted three rounds of negotiations on tariff issue respectively in Geneva, London and Stockholm from May to July 2025. No evidence suggested that China will make concessions facing US bluffing. China’s confidence in its face-off with the US will certainly be good news for China-Iran trade relations in short and long terms.”

Meanwhile, on July 30, Tehran Times reported Brigadier-General Mohammad Ahadi, Chief of Defence Diplomacy and International Relations of the Iranian Armed Forces, as stating: “I consider it necessary to acknowledge the fair positions of the Chinese government and other governments that, without fear of the hegemonic power of the West, took the lead in condemning the acts of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

He made the remarks at the Chinese Embassy in Tehran during a reception the previous day marking the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

“If the US truly cared about the human rights of Muslims, why does it turn a blind eye to the living hell in Gaza?” – China at UN

Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong addressed a United Nations Security Council briefing on July 24, called on the initiative of Pakistan, to discuss cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The OIC is a major international body grouping 57 states. Ambassador Fu described it as “a symbol of unity and autonomy of Islamic countries” and said that China supports the UN in further deepening its cooperation with the OIC.

He added that: “With its religious, historical and cultural advantages when tackling issues that arise in the Islamic world, the OIC has a unique role to play in conflict prevention and mediation… The Palestinian issue lies at the heart of the broader situation in the Middle East and is of the greatest concern to the Islamic world. A pressing priority is to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, to ease the desperate humanitarian plight there.”

Fu Cong also directly responded to an earlier intervention from the United States, stating:

“China firmly opposes and categorically rejects the groundless accusations made by the US Representative regarding China’s Xinjiang region. Currently, Xinjiang enjoys social stability, [and] economic prosperity, where people live in peace and contentment…. If the US truly cared about the human rights of Muslims, why does it turn a blind eye to the living hell in Gaza? Why has it ignored the historical injustices suffered by the Palestinian people? The United States overlooks its own chronic problems at home, such as gun violence, racial discrimination, the trampling of its citizens’ rights and dignity.”

Speaking on behalf of the OIC, Yousef Al-Dubaie, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, called on the council to pressure Israel to comply with relevant UN resolutions, including for an immediate and complete cessation of the acts of genocide, massacres, starvation, and displacement of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the occupied city of Al Quds [Jerusalem]. He also recalled the Organisation’s positions and efforts regarding Afghanistan, Jammu and Kashmir, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, the Sahel countries, Lake Chad, and the issue of the Rohingya Muslim community in Myanmar, and commended the appointment by the UN Secretary-General of a UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

The following articles were originally published on the websites of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN and of the OIC.

Remarks on Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub-regional Organizations (OIC) by Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Briefing

President,

I thank the Pakistani presidency to initiate and convene this meeting. Welcome Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar presiding over this meeting. And thank ASG Khalid Khiari and ASG Yousef M. Al Dobeay for their briefings.

Iran and the new cold war

The following article by Carlos Martinez, originally published in the Morning Star, argues that the criminal Israeli-US strikes on Iran are not credibly rooted in concerns over the latter’s alleged nuclear weapons program, but rather in its consistent anti-imperialist stance and its far-reaching material support for the cause of Palestinian freedom.

The article also links the attacks to broader geopolitical dynamics, especially Iran’s deepening alliance with China. Since signing a 25-year cooperation agreement with China in 2021, Iran has become integral to the Belt and Road Initiative, in addition to joining BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and emerging as China’s primary trading partner in West Asia.

This growing partnership makes Iran a strategic obstacle to US-led imperialism, especially in the context of the New Cold War against China. Carlos draws parallels with the 1953 coup against Iran’s Prime Minister Mossadegh, orchestrated by the CIA and MI6 to protect Western oil interests in the context of the original Cold War.

Today, the New Cold War, centred on US efforts to encircle and contain the People’s Republic of China, is adding urgency to the US’s bid for regime change in Iran. Iran’s deepening integration into the Belt and Road Initiative, and its close coordination with China and Russia, mark it as a frontline state in the struggle between the Project for a New American Century and the Global Community of Shared Future…

The installation of a US proxy regime in Tehran would be a major blow to the Belt and Road Initiative, and it would potentially compromise China’s energy security, giving the US de facto control over the flow of oil and other resources through the Persian Gulf.

The article concludes by urging Western anti-war movements to oppose this escalating campaign to preserve and expand imperialist hegemony.

There has been a great deal of speculation as to the reasons for the criminal Israeli-US attack on Iran.

The reason proffered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump is that Iran is on the cusp of acquiring a nuclear weapon, and that therefore the forcible dismantling of its nuclear infrastructure is a matter of great urgency.

Obviously, no reasonable person believes this; certainly nobody who remembers Tony Blair’s cynical 2003 claim that Iraq could deploy weapons of mass destruction within 45 minutes.

After all, Netanyahu first publicly accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons back in 1992 – 33 years ago – when, in a speech to the Knesset as Deputy Foreign Minister, he declared that Iran was three to five years away from acquiring a nuclear weapon and argued for preemptive action.

Netanyahu was later subjected to widespread mockery in September 2012 when, holding up a cartoonish drawing of a bomb during his speech at the UN, he claimed that Iran was 90 percent of the way to the level of uranium enrichment needed for weaponisation.

Meanwhile, Iran continues to deny seeking nuclear weapons and is a longstanding signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The country’s government maintains a strict edict against the development, production, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons or indeed any weapons of mass destruction – contrasting rather starkly with Israel, an undeclared nuclear weapons state and non-signatory to the NPT. Furthermore, there has been no credible intelligence validating Netanyahu and Trump’s claims about Iran’s weapons program.

Wang Yi speaks with counterparts from Iran and Türkiye

Chinese Foreign Minister continued his round of telephone diplomacy regarding the critical situation in West Asia caused by US-Israeli aggression with calls with his Iranian and Turkish counterparts on June 24.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments in the regional situation, emphasising that the dangerous actions by Israel and the United States in attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities seriously violate international law, leaving Iran with no choice but to respond. Although a ceasefire has just been reached between Iran and Israel, the situation remains unstable. Genuine negotiations can only begin once Israel halts its aggression. The session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the actions of the United States and Israel and expects the Security Council to play a role in this matter. He appreciated China’s understanding and support for Iran’s legitimate position and expressed willingness to maintain close communication with China.

Wang Yi referred to the four proposals recently advanced by President Xi Jinping and added:

After the US attacked Iran, China immediately condemned the action. Military strikes on nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency severely violate the purposes of the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law and may lead to nuclear leaks or even nuclear disasters, which should be opposed by the international community.

He said that China supports Iran’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and security, and on that basis [emphasis added by us], to achieve a real ceasefire, restore normal life for the people, and help deescalate the situation in the Middle East as soon as possible. China commends the OIC’s unified voice for a ceasefire and an end to the hostilities, as well as the advancement of peace.

In his call with Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Wang Yi said that Israel and the United States have used force against Iran on the grounds of “potential future threats”, which has seriously violated international law and infringed upon Iran’s sovereignty. The US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency set a bad precedent and threaten the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. China opposes the use of force to settle disputes and always stands on the side of peace, dialogue, and international justice.

He emphasised that the question of Palestine remains at the heart of the Middle East issue and added that China supports Türkiye in hosting and convening the session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, urging all parties to send a unified voice opposing war, supporting peace, and calling for deescalation of conflicts.

Hakan Fidan stated that since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Iran, Türkiye has been committed to promoting a ceasefire and an end to the hostilities, advocating for dialogue and negotiations. The current ceasefire agreement between the two sides brings some hope. The attacks on nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency violate international law and may lead to catastrophic consequences such as nuclear leaks. If Israel wants to safeguard its security, it should accept the two-State solution and stop the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Maintaining one’s own security at the expense of other nations’ security is unsustainable and may lead to more and wider conflicts.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi

June 24 (MFA) — On June 24, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments in the regional situation, emphasizing that the dangerous actions by Israel and the United States in attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities seriously violate international law, leaving Iran with no choice but to respond. Although a ceasefire has just been reached between Iran and Israel, the situation remains unstable. Genuine negotiations can only begin once Israel halts its aggression. The session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the actions of the United States and Israel, and expects the Security Council to play a role in this matter. He appreciated China’s understanding and support for Iran’s legitimate position and expressed willingness to maintain close communication with China. Iran looks forward to China’s greater role in easing the situation.

Victor Gao: China deplores Israel’s attack on Iran

In the following interview on Al Arabiya, broadcast on 18 June 2025, prominent Chinese scholar Victor Gao, Vice President of the Center for China and Globalization, gives a powerful critique of the Israeli-US aggression against Iran.

Noting that China has excellent relations with Iran, and that China respects Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Gao states that China does not recognise the extraterritoriality of any country’s unilateral sanctions against another country, and therefore does not accept the US’s sanctions against Iran. He goes on to clearly reiterate the Chinese government’s position in relation to Israel’s criminal aggression, pointing out that Israel violated international law, unilaterally launching a war against a sovereign country.

China really deplores Israel’s military attack on nuclear facilities inside Iran and considers it a very serious offence against world peace and security.

While condemning Israel’s aggression, Gao notes that Iran’s military response is justified and legitimate, as a defence of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Victor Gao also points to the outrageous hypocrisy of Israel’s supposed justification for its aggression, that is, that Iran is attempting to develop nuclear weapons. Given that Israel itself possesses nuclear weapons, and that it has never signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, this accusation is a blatant double standard. “I don’t think there’s a higher level of double standards and hypocrisy than that.”

Commenting on US president Trump’s suggestion that the US might assassinate the Iranian leadership, Gao opines that “assassination of heads of state, political or military leaders, or religious figures is unacceptable in today’s world”. As such, he urges the US to maintain a minimum level of decency in its international relations, and to use its influence to de-escalate the situation rather than inflame it.

China is a force for peace and progress, that’s why the world needs China

Friends of Socialist China was among the organisers of a hybrid event in Portland, Oregon (US), held on 22 June 2025, discussing Kyle Ferrana’s important book Why the World Needs China.

In his speech (delivered via Zoom), Carlos Martinez endorsed the central thesis of the book, arguing that China represents a global vision centred around peace, progress and sustainable development; whereas the US and its allies represent a global vision centred around imperialism, hegemony, war, ecocide and chaos.

Discussing recent developments in West Asia, in particular the US-Israeli criminal attacks on Iran and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Carlos highlighted China’s constructive role in the region, including its mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia and its support for Palestinian unity. He linked the attacks on Iran with the West’s continuing efforts to destabilise China and broader imperialist resistance against a rising multipolar world.

Emphasising the need for global solidarity, Carlos called for building “a global united front composed of the socialist countries, the national liberation movements, the anti-imperialist forces of the Global South, and the progressive forces in the advanced capitalist countries”, for supporting the forces of liberation worldwide, and for supporting the socialist countries – “and particularly China, as the largest and most advanced socialist country, as the country which is at the core of the emerging multipolar system”.

The video of the speech is embedded below, followed by the text.

“Why the World Needs China” is the somewhat provocative title of Kyle’s book.

But in my view the essential correctness of this title is becoming clearer and clearer with every passing day, and specifically with every despicable act of aggression carried out by the United States and its Israeli proxy against the people of Palestine, of Iran, of Yemen and of Lebanon.

As you all know, last night the US military openly joined Israel’s criminal war against Iran, bombing three nuclear facilities. I say “openly joined the war”, because the fact is that the US and its allies been providing weapons, intelligence, logistical support, war propaganda and diplomatic cover from the very beginning – both for this war on Iran and for the genocidal assault on Gaza.

The whole world can increasingly see what the United States and its allies represent, and increasingly the whole world can see what China represents. And these are two vastly different visions of the future of the world, one put forward by the capitalist class in the United States, one put forward by the working class in China.

The US is proposing a Project for a New American Century. This neoconservative notion – originally associated with notorious hawks such as Paul Wolfowitz, Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney – has become a consensus position in mainstream US politics, adhered to by all administrations, Republican and Democrat alike. It’s a fundamentally hegemonist, imperialist proposal; a proposal for spreading death and destruction for the sake of projecting the US’s domination of the 20th century into the 21st century.

Wang Yi: Israel’s actions violate international law and the norms governing international relations

In response to the continuing Israeli aggression against Iran, on June 18, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held telephone talks with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Oman at their request.

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Expatriates Badr Abdel Aaty said that Israel’s attack on Iran clearly violates international law. Egypt condemns this and hopes the Iranian nuclear issue will return to the track of political settlement as soon as possible.

Wang Yi said that Israel’s actions, which disregard international law and norms, have sharply escalated tensions in the Middle East. China is deeply concerned about the risk of the situation spiraling out of control. China once again calls on the parties to the conflict, especially Israel, to prioritise the interests and well-being of the people in the region, immediately achieve a ceasefire, ease tensions, and create conditions for a return to dialogue and negotiation. Egypt recently led 20 other Arab and Islamic countries in issuing a joint statement by their foreign ministers, jointly calling for a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, the resumption of negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue, and the maintenance of lasting peace in the region. This is a timely and necessary move to help de-escalate the situation, and China fully supports it.

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi said that Israel’s attack on Iran blatantly violates the United Nations Charter and international law, infringing upon Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Oman is deeply concerned about the current situation, especially the strikes targeting nuclear facilities, which may lead to nuclear leaks and will cause catastrophic consequences for the region. China has always upheld justice and safeguarded peace in the international community, which Oman highly appreciates. Oman looks forward to China playing a greater role in restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.

Wang Yi stated that the ins and outs of the current situation are crystal-clear. Israel’s actions violate international law and the norms governing international relations, infringe upon Iran’s sovereignty and security, and undermine regional peace and stability. The conflict has also interrupted the hard-won process of indirect negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue, rendering Oman’s mediation efforts futile. China has promptly expressed its position of opposition to Israel’s military actions.

The Chinese Foreign Minister emphasised that the most pressing task now is to achieve a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. China supports the joint statement issued by 21 Arab and Islamic countries, including Oman, calling for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries and a balanced stance on resolving disputes by peaceful means. At this critical juncture, the international community, especially regional countries, should further unite their efforts, uphold justice, and generate an international momentum opposing war, advocating for peace and promoting political settlement. China hopes that Arab and Islamic countries will remain united and continue efforts to promote talks for peace.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

China strongly condemns US attacks on Iran

In a first reaction to the brazen US aggression against Iran, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has, on Sunday June 22, strongly condemned the bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The spokesperson added that the actions of the United States seriously violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East.

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhua) — China strongly condemns the U.S. attacks on Iran and bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sunday.

The spokesperson made the remarks when asked to comment on U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States carried out strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran.

The actions of the United States seriously violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East, the spokesperson said.

China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation, the spokesperson said.

China stands ready to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, the spokesperson said.

China strongly condemns Israeli aggression against Iran

China has strongly condemned the most recent acts of Israeli aggression against Iran.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council briefing on June 13, Ambassador Fu Cong said:

“China condemns Israel’s actions that violate Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of tensions and the expansion of conflicts, and is deeply concerned about the potential grave consequences of the Israeli operations.”

He added: “We oppose the use of force and illegal unilateral sanctions and oppose armed attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities. As a State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran’s right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy should be fully respected.”

Drawing the necessary connection to Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, Fu Cong concluded:

“Gaza has been subjected to prolonged attacks and blockades, with over two million people trapped in an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. The international community should work together to promote a ceasefire in Gaza, deescalate the regional situation, and effectively curb the spread of conflict. The country with significant influence over Israel should effectively play a constructive role. The Security Council should make full use of all the means conferred on it by the Charter to ensure the implementation of its relevant resolutions and to play its due role in maintaining regional peace and security.”

The following day, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Araghchi thanked China for its consistent understanding and support of Iran’s position and expressed confidence that China will play an even more important role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Wang said that China condemns Israel’s violation of Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and firmly opposes the reckless attacks targeting Iranian officials and causing civilian casualties. China supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, defending its legitimate rights and interests, and ensuring the safety of its people, he said, adding that Israel’s actions seriously violate the principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations. In particular, Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities have set a dangerous precedent with potentially catastrophic consequences.

The Xinhua News Agency also reported that Wang held a telephone conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar the same day, in which he stressed that China firmly opposes Israel’s use of force against Iran in violation of international law.

Slightly more detailed read outs of Wang Yi’s conversations with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts, released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry may be read here and here.

The following articles were originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN and by the Xinhua News Agency.

Remarks on the Situation in the Middle East by Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Briefing

President,

Thank you for convening this emergency meeting. I thank Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for their briefings.

Early this morning, Israel launched large-scale attacks on multiple targets in Iran, causing damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities and casualties. The Israeli side said that its military operations would last as many days as it takes. China condemns Israel’s actions that violate Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of tensions and the expansion of conflicts, and is deeply concerned about the potential grave consequences of the Israeli operations. The abrupt heating-up of the region serves no one’s interests. We urge Israel to immediately cease all military adventurism and avoid further escalating tensions. We call on all relevant parties to abide by the UN Charter and international law, resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means, and jointly maintain regional peace and stability.

Chinese Premier meets Malaysian, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Kuwaiti counterparts

During his visit to Malaysia to participate in the first ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations)-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council)-China Summit, May 26-28, held in the capital Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Premier Li Qiang also met on the sidelines with his host, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as well as with his counterparts from Vietnam and Cambodia and the Crown Prince of Kuwait.

Meeting with Anwar Ibrahim, Li said that China is ready to work with Malaysia to deepen exchanges and collaboration across various fields, and jointly usher in a new “Golden 50 Years” for bilateral ties guided by the principles of mutual respect and trust, equality and mutual benefit for win-win outcomes.

Recalling that Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Malaysia last month, Li said that both sides agreed to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future and mapped out the strategic direction for the development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Malaysia to implement the important outcomes of this historic visit. He urged the two sides to continue expanding trade and investment cooperation with a focus on cutting-edge areas, including the digital economy, the green economy and artificial intelligence, promote the integrated development of industrial and supply chains and value chains, and steadily advance major projects such as the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” and the East Coast Rail Link, so as to strengthen the economic growth engine of the China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

Noting that Malaysia is both the rotating chair of ASEAN and the host of the trilateral summit, Li said that China is ready to work closely with Malaysia to take the event as an opportunity to push for closer economic cooperation among the three sides, build a model of global cooperation and development, jointly safeguard free trade and the multilateral trading system and address global challenges together, so as to contribute greater stability, certainty and positive energy to a turbulent world.

Meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Li said that not long ago, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Vietnam, where the two sides agreed to accelerate the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. China stands ready to work with Vietnam to implement the outcomes of the visit, maintain high-level exchanges, deepen mutual political trust and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.

For his part, Pham Minh Chinh noted that Xi paid a successful state visit to Vietnam last month. He said Vietnam will join hands with China to actively implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, intensify high-level exchanges and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. The Vietnamese side congratulates on the success of the first ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, he said, voicing his country’s willingness to work with China to pursue more practical achievements in tripartite cooperation.

Meeting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Li said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has lately paid a historic visit to Cambodia, during which both sides jointly announced the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

China-Cambodia relations have once again taken the lead in building a community with a shared future for humanity, and the ironclad friendship between the two countries has been further deepened, he added.

China stands ready to work with Cambodia to follow through on the outcomes of Xi’s visit, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, make good use of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee, and steadily advance practical cooperation across various fields. Encouraging more Chinese enterprises to invest in Cambodia, China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Cambodia in such areas as infrastructure, digital economy, advanced manufacturing and clean energy. China is willing to work with Cambodia and other countries in the region to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, jointly oppose unilateralism and power politics, safeguard international fairness and justice, uphold the multilateral trading system and maintain the stable and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, so as to inject more positive energy into world peace, stability, prosperity and development.

Hun Manet said the Cambodian side stands ready to work with China to follow through on the outcomes of Xi’s visit, maintain high-level exchanges, give full play to the role of various dialogue mechanisms, boost practical cooperation, enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and jointly combat cross-border crimes.

Noting that Cambodia supports the three global initiatives proposed by Xi, Hun Manet said that Cambodia looks forward to working with China to further strengthen multilateral coordination, uphold multilateralism, oppose protectionism, maintain regional security and stability, and promote global common development.

ASEAN, GCC and China forge the new golden triangle of South-South Cooperation

Following his visit to Indonesia, Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Malaysia for the first ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council)-China Summit, held in the capital Kuala Lumpur, May 26-28.

This meeting, bringing together three key economic centres in the Global South, is being seen as a landmark development in international geopolitics and geoeconomics.

A commentary published by the Xinhua News Agency on the eve of the gathering described it as a new inter-regional cooperation model in Asia that will boost Global South unity:

“As leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) prepare for their 46th summit, an inaugural ASEAN-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council)-China Summit is also on the agenda, with expectations to expand inter-regional cooperation in Asia and shore up the common development of Global South countries.

“The gatherings, bringing together leaders of the three sides that have their unique strengths, will innovate cooperation models, boost growth momentum for Asia and beyond, and set a good example for Global South countries to unite and consolidate their collective development rights.

“The new endeavour is of special significance at a time when the world is haunted by the menace of protectionism and unilateralism, and international institutions are confronted with the challenge of fragmentation.

“ASEAN countries are beaming with economic vitality and development potential, while the GCC is a bloc rich in energy resources and investment capital. China, the world’s second-largest economy, also has much to offer in creating new cooperation opportunities through its vast consumer market and complete industrial system.

“China, the region’s economic powerhouse and an ardent promoter of cooperation, enjoys strong ties with both ASEAN and GCC countries.

“Trade, people-to-people exchanges, cooperation in energy, connectivity projects, finance and investment, innovation and green development have all witnessed steadfast growth among the three sides.

“As neighbours, China and ASEAN had by 2024 been each other’s largest trading partner for five consecutive years. Bilateral trade value soared from less than 8 billion US dollars in 1991 to nearly 1 trillion dollars in 2024.

“In the latest development, China and 10 ASEAN countries have fully completed negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, a milestone in bilateral trade cooperation that will inject greater momentum and stability into the world economy.

“With the GCC, China established contact upon the bloc’s inception in 1981. Forty-plus years on, the two sides have written together a splendid chapter of solidarity, mutual assistance and win-win cooperation.

“In 2024, trade between China and GCC countries reached over 288 billion dollars. Cooperation in investment, energy and green transformation is on the rise, thanks to the growing mutual trust and the high degree of complementarity in their respective economies.

“As the trilateral model of ASEAN-GCC-China cooperation continues to take shape, more growth momentum can be expected. Moreover, the three sides can coordinate better on regional and international affairs.

“With expanded and strengthened cooperation, the new model, together with mechanisms like the BRICS, can help create more solidarity and common prosperity for Global South countries.”

Xinhua also published a guest column by Julia Roknifard, a senior lecturer at the School of Law and Governance at Malaysia’s Taylor’s University, entitled “ASEAN-GCC-China cooperation a new ‘golden triangle’ in global affairs”.

According to Roknifard, “A remarkable mechanism of multilateral cooperation is emerging as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are to hold an inaugural joint summit.

“The three parties now have more incentive than ever to coordinate in the current geopolitical climate, as some major countries are pursuing confrontation and protectionism, making the list of divergent interests only growing longer.

“China has already had a transformative impact on ASEAN and the broader Middle East economically, including the GCC states, through major infrastructure, trade and development efforts – particularly the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative. But the relationship runs deeper, with growing cooperation in technology, industrial development, tourism, cultural exchange and longstanding people-to-people ties.”

She adds: “China’s diplomatic and stabilising role on crucial issues has also boosted its standing in the region. Its calls for a peaceful and just resolution to the Palestinian conflict resonate with many in ASEAN, while its success in bringing together key Middle East powers, especially Iran and Saudi Arabia, has further elevated its profile and generated goodwill across the region.

“Despite efforts to draw ASEAN and the GCC members into bloc confrontation, the West is unable to pressure these countries as it previously could with its military and economic power, signaling a steady erosion of the leverage it once had. Amid ongoing conflicts and shifting economic realities, countries are increasingly prioritising partnerships that best serve their development goals, rather than accepting policies that hinder their progress.

“Bringing together all three parties creates a new platform for cooperation. Barring interference from outside parties, this emerging ‘Golden Triangle’ of resources, manufacturing, and consumers is poised to drive the global economy forward. It could also accelerate the spread of cutting-edge technologies pioneered by China – particularly in renewable energy vehicles and artificial intelligence tools like DeepSeek, which is developed at a fraction of the cost of Western counterparts.”

By way of contrast she notes: “As major European economies are close to recession and de-industrialisation, and the United States itself has lost its edge in shipbuilding tonnage and continues to lapse in other sectors, China continues to move forward as it is able to recognize this simple fact that ASEAN, the GCC and other regional groupings across Africa and Latin America are looking forward to a new era of peace and stable international relations.”

Addressing the summit, Premier Li Qiang said: “China, ASEAN and GCC countries have a long history of friendly interactions, with exchanges and cooperation between us spanning thousands of years from the ancient Silk Road to the Belt and Road Initiative. Today, against a volatile international landscape and sluggish global growth, the establishment of the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit creates a platform for exchanges and a mechanism for cooperation. It is a groundbreaking initiative in regional economic cooperation that has carried forward the legacy of history, and more importantly, answered the call of the times.

“Together, China, ASEAN and the GCC account for roughly a quarter of the world’s population and economic output. Our markets, if fully connected, will generate even greater space for development and more substantial economies of scale… China is ready to, on the basis of mutual respect and equality, work with ASEAN and the GCC to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, increase macro policy coordination, and deepen collaboration on industrial specialisation. We should make efforts to turn our respective strengths into collective strengths and help each other tackle development challenges.

“Countries of the three sides have diverse civilisations. At the same time, we all belong to the same Asian family and share the same Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness. We should deepen people-to-people exchanges to further consolidate the foundation for mutual trust. We should effectively manage differences in the spirit of mutual understanding, advance win-win cooperation through the exchange of ideas, and explore a new way for promoting the inclusiveness and common progress of different civilisations. China actively supports [Malaysian] Prime Minister Anwar’s initiative on Islam-Confucianism dialogue.

“We should enhance synergy and connectivity in infrastructure, market rules and payment systems, actively consider establishing a regional business council, deepen economic integration, and make development more resilient and efficient. While expanding cooperation in traditional areas such as energy and agriculture, we also need to step up cooperation in emerging areas such as AI, the digital economy, and green and low-carbon development to foster and cultivate new growth drivers.

“At the global level, we should always stand on the right side of history and add more positive energy to world peace and development. We should pursue equal, mutually beneficial, open, inclusive, practical and efficient cooperation, and, through our example, encourage the international community to uphold multilateralism and free trade and reject unilateralism and protectionism. China will work with ASEAN and GCC countries to step up communication and coordination in multilateral mechanisms including the United Nations, vigorously defend the common interests of developing countries, categorically oppose hegemonism and power politics, and make global governance more just and equitable.”

China blasts yet another US veto of Gaza ceasefire resolution

On June 4, the United States once again vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSCC) resolution on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and calling for a ceasefire. All other 14 members of the Council, including France and Britain, voted in favour of the resolution, which had been jointly prepared by the E10, the 10 rotating, non-permanent UNSC members.

Following the US veto, Chinese Ambassador to the UN Fu Cong stated: “China is deeply disappointed by the result of today’s vote. The draft resolution on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, tabled by the E10 of the Security Council, clearly calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of the blockade on humanitarian supplies. These are the most pressing demands of the people in Gaza, who are struggling amid death and despair, and they reflect the overwhelming voice of the international community. The United States has once again abused its veto power, extinguishing the glimmer of hope for the people in Gaza and ruthlessly continuing to leave over two million people in darkness.”

He continued:

People cannot help but ask: where is fairness and justice? For more than 600 days, over 54,000 people in Gaza have lost their lives. Israel continues to escalate its offensive and blockade, turning Gaza into a living hell. Innocent civilians are killed in the conflict every day, while a large portion of the population is on the brink of famine. The United Nations has clearly pointed out that the aid delivery mechanism promoted by the US and Israel violates the principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality. Recently, there have been repeated incidents of civilian casualties near distribution sites, and this mechanism has even become a death trap.

People cannot help but ask: where is the international rule of law? Since the outbreak of the conflict, we have witnessed the weaponisation of humanitarian aid, the targeting of civilian infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, and the ruthless killing of journalists and humanitarian workers. Israel’s actions have crossed every red line of international humanitarian law and seriously violated Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as well as the provisional measures ordered by the ICJ [International Court of Justice]. Yet due to the shielding by one certain country, these violations have not been stopped or held accountable.

People cannot help but ask: where is the authority of the Security Council? Today’s vote result once again exposes that the root cause of the Council’s inability to quell the conflict in Gaza is the repeated obstruction by the US, who has vetoed the Council’s request for a ceasefire multiple times. And because of its shielding of Israel, several resolutions adopted by the Council have not been effectively implemented. Claims that Security Council actions would interfere with diplomatic efforts are completely untenable.

Earlier, in remarks at a Security Council briefing on the situation, held on May 28, during the drafting of the resolution, Fu Cong said that:

“Since May 16, Israel has continued to intensify its military offensive in Gaza, which has completely destroyed large densely populated areas and caused the deaths of more than 1,000 Gazans in the past two weeks alone.”

He continued:

The question has been repeatedly asked: When will this conflict end? Over the past 600 days, northern, central, and southern Gaza have been ravaged by war, claiming the lives of more than 54,000 people. The population of Gaza has been forcefully displaced time and again.

The question has been repeatedly asked: Are there no limits to the means of this conflict? Even wars have rules. Compliance with international humanitarian law is an undeniable obligation of all parties. In Gaza, however, we have witnessed the red lines of international law and the bottom line of human morality being repeatedly violated and breached. Humanitarian assistance has been weaponised, with two million people plunged into extreme hunger as a result of the prolonged blockade. Schools, hospitals, refugee camps, and UN facilities have been targeted. Journalists and humanitarian workers have been mercilessly killed. Securing humanitarian assistance is an obligation of the occupying power under international law.

The question has been repeatedly asked: Will the Palestinian people be forced to lose their homes once again? Gaza is in ruins with living conditions severely jeopardised. Recently, there have been repeated calls from the Israeli side for completely destroying and taking over all of Gaza. The Israeli army has already controlled more than 70% of Gaza. At the same time, continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank and intensified settler violence gravely squeezed the space for the Palestinian people to survive. Changing the demographic and territorial composition of Gaza, as well as settlement activities, are in violation of the Security Council resolutions and international law. The annexation of Gaza and the West Bank will completely take away the prospects for peace in the Middle East.

He added: “Gaza and the West Bank are inalienable parts of the State of Palestine. The international community must firmly oppose any attempt to annex the territories of Gaza or the West Bank and oppose the forced displacement of the population of Gaza. The United States, as a country with significant influence over the party involved, should act in a fair and responsible manner and take effective and forceful actions.”

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Mission to the United Nations.

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Fu Cong on the UN Security Council Draft Resolution on the Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

June 4 (China UN Mission) — President,

At the outset, let me congratulate Guyana on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council this month, and Greece on successfully completing its Presidency of the Council last month.