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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.

China condemns Israeli war crimes and expresses solidarity with the Palestinian people

China has twice recently used the platform of the United Nations to condemn Israeli war crimes, draw attention to the role played by the United States and to express solidarity with the struggle of the Palestinian people and with their national aspirations.

Speaking at a Nakba commemoration on May 15, Ambassador Geng Shuang said that: “Seventy-seven years ago, more than half of the Palestinian people were expelled or fled from their homes during the Arab-Israeli war, and they have since embarked on the arduous journey of striving for their legitimate rights and interests. Today, 77 years later, the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people has not only remained unaddressed but has even worsened.

“The war in Gaza has lasted for 19 months, claiming the lives of more than 53,000 Gazans and leaving the once beautiful cities and towns in ruins. Israel’s escalating siege on Gaza has led to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe for two million people who face the threat of forced relocation. The continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank and the intensifying settler violence have relentlessly squeezed the space for the Palestinian people and eroded the basis of the two-State solution.”

He added that, “On the question of Palestine, China, upholding fairness and justice, remains steadfast in its support for the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, for the early establishment of the fully sovereign and independent State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and for the early admission of the State of Palestine as a full member of the UN,” adding that China would continue to work tirelessly for, “a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the question of Palestine at an early date, so that the Nakba day will forever remain in the past.”

Two days previously, on May 13, Ambassador Fu Cong addressed a UN Security Council Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Gaza and said:

“Gaza has become a living hell. Israel’s continuous bombing and raids are causing civilian casualties every day. On May 7 alone, there were more than 100 lives lost. Over the two-month-plus blockade, Gaza’s survival supplies were depleted. Hunger and disease are spreading rapidly. According to the IPC [Integrated Food Security Phase Classification] report, the population in Gaza are suffering from severe food shortages, with nearly half a million people in a state of catastrophic hunger.

China says Gaza humanitarian crisis ‘unprecedented’, urges ICJ to uphold law

China has told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territory has reached “unprecedented” levels and called on the court to uphold international law and international justice.

Addressing week-long public hearings recently held by the court to assess Israel’s legal obligations for the provision of humanitarian aid and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, Chinese representative Ma Xinmin said:

“The situation grows more desperate. In Gaza and throughout the occupied territories, we are witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis threatening to overwhelm an already suffering people.”

He stressed that Israel has a clear legal obligation to accept humanitarian assistance from third parties when the population is inadequately supplied: “This is not a discretionary choice. Refusing such assistance could constitute a denial of humane treatment of civilians or a form of collective punishment, both prohibited under international law.”

Despite the advisory opinion issued by the court last year, he emphasised: “Occupation continues and starvation persists.

“The desperate eyes of Gaza children pierce our conscience with two burning questions: Will international law surrender to brute force? Will the pillars of civilisation yield before the law of the jungle?”

The following article was originally published by Palestine Chronicle.

China told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territory has reached “unprecedented” levels, and called on the court to uphold international law and international justice, the Anadolu news agency reported.

“The situation grows more desperate. In Gaza and throughout the occupied territories, we are witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis threatening to overwhelm an already suffering people,” said Ma Xinmin, representing China.

"Occupation continues & starvation persists. The desperate eyes of Gaza's children pierce our conscience with two burning questions. Will international law surrender to brute force? Will the pillars of civilisation yield before the law of jungle?"

China at the ICJ this morning pic.twitter.com/kUg9st9ogt
— Saul Staniforth (@SaulStaniforth) May 2, 2025

He stressed that Israel has a clear legal obligation to accept humanitarian assistance from third parties when the population is inadequately supplied.

“This is not a discretionary choice. Refusing such assistance could constitute a denial of humane treatment of civilians or a form of collective punishment, both prohibited under international law,” he said.

The week-long public hearings began on Monday to assess Israel’s legal obligations for the provision of humanitarian aid and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, following a request from the UN General Assembly.

Aid Workers

Beijing also expressed deep concern over casualties among humanitarian workers in the occupied Palestinian territory, stressing that Israel must ensure the privileges and immunities of UN agencies and bodies.

China reaffirms, the representative said, that the UN should play a “central and unique role” in leading and coordinating humanitarian assistance and called on all states to cooperate to provide relief to the Palestinian people. He reiterated that the fundamental solution lies in implementing a two-state solution.

Despite the advisory opinion of the court last year, he emphasized, “Occupation continues and starvation persists.”

“The desperate eyes of Gaza children pierce our conscience with two burning questions: Will international law surrender to brute force? Will the pillars of civilization yield before the law of the jungle?” he asked.

China also urged the court to issue an advisory opinion that would uphold the integrity of international law and “stir the conscience of the international community” to safeguard fairness, justice, and the rule of law.

Blockade ‘Unacceptable’ – UK

On Thursday, the United Kingdom told the ICJ that Israel must lift its restrictions on humanitarian assistance to Gaza, ensure civilian protection, and fully comply with international humanitarian law, Anadolu reported.

“It is unacceptable that Israel has blocked humanitarian support from entering Gaza for nearly two months, meaning that Palestinian civilians, including one million children, are facing starvation, disease, and death,” said UK representative Sally Langrish, recalling the UK Foreign Office Minister David Lammy’s recent statement to the UN Security Council in which he urged a return to the ceasefire “to end the relentless death and destruction that Palestinians face daily.”

Langrish emphasized the UK’s consistent call on Israel to allow humanitarian access and noted the UK’s suspension of certain arms export licenses to Israel in September 2024, citing “the clear risk that certain military exports to Israel might be used in violation of international humanitarian law.”

UNRWA an ‘Impartial’ Body

Michael Wood, also speaking for the UK, underlined Israel’s obligations under the UN Charter, the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN, and international humanitarian law. He said Israel must respect the legal capacities, privileges, and immunities of the UN and its agencies, including UNRWA.

Langrish explained that under Article 59 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, Israel must agree to and facilitate relief efforts when the population is undersupplied. Refusing would be a violation of international law, she said.

She affirmed that the UK regards UNRWA as an “impartial humanitarian organization” and supports its mandate, while stressing the need for the agency to uphold strict neutrality and investigate any allegations of misconduct, noting that such investigations are already underway.

US Defends Israel

The US has stood nearly alone in defending Israel’s restrictions on UNRWA at the hearings.

Josh Simmons, of the US State Department legal team, argued that Israel “has ample grounds to question UNRWA’s impartiality.”

He cited Israel’s allegations that Hamas “has used UNRWA facilities and that UNRWA staff participated in the 7 October terrorist attack against Israel.”

“In sum, there is no legal requirement that an occupying power permit a specific third state or international organization to conduct activities in occupied territory that would compromise its security interests,” he stated.

Simmons said the US supports the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, “with the safeguards to ensure it is not looted or misused by terrorist groups.”

Rising Death Toll

Representatives from 40 countries and four international organizations are presenting oral submissions during the proceedings, including Türkiye, Malaysia, South Africa, China, Russia, Spain, Ireland, Brazil, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Key organizations, including the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League, will also contribute.

Israel, which is among the countries that submitted written statements, will not make an oral submission during the hearings.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the ICJ for its war on the Gaza Strip, which, since October 2023, has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians and reduced much of Gaza to rubble.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Breaking the silence on Palestinian armed struggle: a call for legal clarity

The following article by Ramzy Baroud and Romana Rubeo, reposted from Palestine Chronicle, addresses the Palestinian people’s right to armed struggle against colonial occupation – recognised under international law but widely ignored by Israel and its supporters.

The authors highlight the significance of the February 2024 testimony at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by Ma Xinmin, legal advisor to China’s Foreign Ministry, articulating the Chinese position on this conflictive issue, a topic that “even Palestine’s closest allies in the Middle East and Global South dare not touch”.

Palestinian people’s use of force to resist foreign oppression and complete the establishment of an independent state is an inalienable right… The struggle waged by peoples for their liberation, right to self-determination, including armed struggle against colonialism, occupation, aggression, domination against foreign forces should not be considered terror acts.

The article cites Professor Richard Falk, a leading scholar of international law and former UN special rapporteur for Palestine, strongly supporting this position. Addressing the events of 7 October 2023, Falk states: “To the extent that there is real evidence of atrocities accompanying the October 7 attack, those would constitute violations, but the attack itself is something that, in context, appears entirely justifiable and long overdue.”

These points are hugely important in that they affirm the legal and moral legitimacy of Palestinian resistance, and counter the relentless attempts to delegitimise the Palestinian struggle. As such, China’s clearly-stated position is a valuable contribution to the pursuit of Palestinian national rights.

On February 22, 2024, Ma Xinmin, China’s Representative at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), uttered the unexpected.

His testimony, like that of a number of others, was meant to help the International Court of Justice (ICJ) formulate a critical and long-overdue legal opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

Ma Xinmin articulated the Chinese position, which, unlike the American envoy’s testimony, was entirely aligned with international and humanitarian laws.

But he delved into a tabooed subject—one that even Palestine’s closest allies in the Middle East and Global South dared not touch: the right to use armed struggle.

“Palestinian people’s use of force to resist foreign oppression and complete the establishment of an independent state is an inalienable right,” the Chinese Ambassador said, insisting that “the struggle waged by peoples for their liberation, right to self-determination, including armed struggle against colonialism, occupation, aggression, domination against foreign forces should not be considered terror acts”.

China: Israel must renounce its obsession with the use of force and immediately cease military operations in Gaza

Speaking at a briefing meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), called by non-permanent members Algeria and Somalia, China has strongly condemned Israel for its breach of the ceasefire and its new crimes committed against the civilian population of Gaza, which have seen hundreds killed, a huge number of them children, in a single day.

At the March 18 meeting, Ambassador Fu Cong said: “With the implementation of the ceasefire on January 19, people in Gaza had a long-awaited respite, and the humanitarian disaster was relieved to some extent… In spite of the strong calls from the international community to extend the Gaza ceasefire and the strong desire of the Gaza population for the resumption of peace and tranquility, the situation has moved in the opposite direction. On March 2, Israel announced the decision to halt the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. On March 9, it cut off the supply of power to Gaza. Just yesterday, Israel launched large-scale airstrikes against Gaza, causing hundreds of civilian casualties. China regrets the harm done to the hard-won ceasefire and is gravely concerned about Israel’s resumption of hostilities in Gaza. We strongly condemn this.”

China, he continued, urged Israel, “to renounce its obsession with the use of force, immediately cease military operations in Gaza, and stop the collective punishment of the Gazan civilians,” adding:

“We strongly oppose the weaponisation and politicisation of humanitarian aid. As of today, for 17 consecutive days, no humanitarian supplies were allowed into Gaza, and the loss of power disabled a desalinisation plant, worsening the water shortage crisis. The use of humanitarian aid as a bargaining chip is in violation of international law, especially international humanitarian law. China condemns such practice.”

China supports, “the Gaza recovery and reconstruction plan jointly initiated by Egypt and other Arab states and supports an early launch of reconstruction underpinned by the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine, whereby the Palestinian people can rebuild their homes in their own territory.”

The following is the full text of Ambassador Fu Cong’s remarks. It was originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

President,

I thank Algeria and Somalia for initiating today’s meeting, and thank Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for the briefing.

With the implementation of the ceasefire on January 19, people in Gaza had a long-awaited respite, and the humanitarian disaster was relieved to some extent. However, as the first phase of the ceasefire expired on March 1, the ceasefire agreement failed to enter the second phase. In spite of the strong calls from the international community to extend the Gaza ceasefire and the strong desire of the Gaza population for the resumption of peace and tranquility, the situation has moved in the opposite direction. On March 2, Israel announced the decision to halt the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. On March 9, it cut off the supply of power to Gaza. Just yesterday, Israel launched large-scale airstrikes against Gaza, causing hundreds of civilian casualties. China regrets the harm done to the hard-won ceasefire, and is gravely concerned about Israel’s resumption of hostilities in Gaza. We strongly condemn this.

We strongly urge the abandonment of the logic of supremacy of force. Military means is not the way to solve the Palestinian-Israeli issue. The stark contrast between 15 months of bloody conflict and 42 days of ceasefire clear shows that the indiscriminate use of force is not the right way to bring back hostages and may even put them at greater risks. China urges Israel to renounce its obsession with the use of force, immediately cease military operations in Gaza, and stop the collective punishment of the Gazan civilians.

We strongly demand a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Since the ceasefire agreement was reached, it should be fully and seriously implemented in good faith, and no attempt should be made to alter or undermine it midway. China calls on the parties to implement the ceasefire agreement fully and continuously, and expects the ceasefire guarantors to adopt a fair and responsible approach to facilitate the continuous implementation of the three-phase agreement and ensure the realization of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

We strongly oppose the weaponization and politicization of humanitarian aid. As of today, for 17 consecutive days, no humanitarian supplies were allowed into Gaza, and the loss of power disabled a desalinization plant, worsening the water shortage crisis. The use of humanitarian aid as a bargaining chip is in violation of international law, especially international humanitarian law. China condemns such practice. We urge Israel to fulfill its obligations as the occupying power under international humanitarian law and immediately restore full humanitarian access to Gaza.

We strongly call for the revitalization of the political prospects of the two-State solution. The implementation of the two-State solution is the only viable way to resolve the question of Palestine. Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are all inseparable parts of the Palestinian state. We support the Gaza recovery and reconstruction plan jointly initiated by Egypt and other Arab states, and support an early launch of reconstruction underpinned by the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine, whereby the Palestinian people can rebuild their homes in their own territory. The international community should step up its efforts to advance the political process of the two-State solution and provide necessary support to this end.

President,

For some time now, we have witnessed a dangerous sign in the Middle East. As the international rule of law and international order are violated and undermined, the law of the jungle seems to reign. This is worrisome and concerning. The Security Council, as the primary body for maintaining international peace and security, should put a prompt end to such chaos. We support further actions by the Council to bring about a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, restore peace in the Middle East, and achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question.

Thank you, President.

Wang Yi: China will always be a trustworthy and reliable friend and partner of South Africa

Whilst attending the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held meetings on the sidelines with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), along with his counterparts from a number of countries.

Wang met with President Ramaphosa on February 20.

Cyril Ramaphosa asked Wang Yi to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping and expressed his heartfelt thanks to China for its firm support for South Africa’s struggle for national independence and its valuable help in accelerating national development. South Africa cherishes the high-level mutual trust between the two countries, regards China as a reliable friend, and will continue to firmly pursue the one-China policy.

Wang Yi conveyed the cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping, saying that China and South Africa have always understood and supported each other and carried out close exchanges, communication and coordination, which demonstrates the high level of bilateral relations. In the process of South Africa’s development and revitalisation, China will always be a trustworthy and reliable friend and partner of South Africa and is willing to continue to provide assistance within its capacity.

The next day he met with his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola.

Wang said, by assuming the G20 presidency, South Africa represents Africa in making a strong voice on the global stage, which demonstrates the historic shifts in international political and economic landscapes and holds great symbolic significance. As multilateralism faces threats amid the rise of unilateral bullying and protectionism, the foreign ministers’ meeting under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’ has reflected the common aspirations of most countries, especially those from the Global South.

Ronald Lamola thanked China for its strong support for South Africa’s G20 presidency. In the face of a volatile international situation, South Africa remains committed to strengthening close coordination and cooperation with China to safeguard the common interests of the Global South countries.

In her meeting with Wang, World Trade Organisation Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said that amid the chaos in the world, China has moved in the right direction, achieved the UN poverty reduction target ahead of schedule, advanced industrialisation rapidly and made remarkable achievements in education. China’s success has set an example and provided references for other developing countries.

One of Wang’s first meetings on arriving in South Africa was with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who had come direct from talks on the Ukraine issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, held in Saudi Arabia.

Wang Yi said that the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era is advancing to a higher level and broader dimensions. The two sides have maintained steady progress in mutually beneficial cooperation and engaged in close and effective strategic coordination, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the common interests of both countries and their peoples and advancing the multipolarity in the world.

This year, he continued, marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, which is of great historic significance. During that arduous struggle, the peoples of China and Russia fought valiantly on both the Eastern and Western fronts, enduring tremendous national sacrifices and making significant historical contributions in the effort to save their nations from the brink of destruction and strive for world peace. China and Russia, as major victorious nations of World War II and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, jointly bear the crucial responsibility of safeguarding the victorious results of World War II and maintaining the post-war international order. No matter how the situation evolves, the foundation of China-Russia friendship remains unshakable. Both sides should take the opportunity of jointly commemorating the 80th anniversary to deepen China-Russia strategic coordination, actively promote the correct view on World War II, firmly defend the international system with the United Nations at its core and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Global South countries.

Sergei Lavrov said, President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping charted the course for Russia-China relations and strategic coordination. Russia is also willing to work with China to hold a series of events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of World War II. Russia also highly recognises the global initiatives put forward by China, highly values the high-level mutual trust between the two countries and is willing to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with China within the BRICS mechanism, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the United Nations, the G20, and other frameworks.

Sergei Lavrov also introduced the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis and Russia’s considerations, saying that his country focuses on solving the root causes of the crisis and is committed to seeking a fair and sustainable plan for peace in line with the UN Charter. Russia attaches importance to China’s objective and just position, and the ‘Friends for Peace’ group China initiated with Brazil and other countries, and is willing to maintain communication with China and strengthen cooperation with the countries of the South.

Wang Yi met with Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan at the latter’s request.

China: ‘Palestinians governing Palestine’ is an important principle that must be upheld

Following his visit to New York, where he chaired the high-level United Nations Security Council meeting on ‘Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance’, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi flew to South Africa to attend the Johannesburg meeting of G20 foreign ministers, the first such gathering to be held on African soil.

In a deeply racist and hegemonic move, the meeting was boycotted by the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with the US citing South Africa’s tentative moves in land reform aimed to redress the iniquities of the erstwhile racist apartheid system and the legacy of colonial rule as well as the host country highlighting the issues of diversity, equality and tackling climate change, all of which are in the crosshairs of the Trump administration. Trump is also determined to punish South Africa for its courageous and principled leading role in unmasking and opposing Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people. It should further be noted that plutocratic capitalists with intimate ties to Trump, such as Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, have deep ties to the old racist system in South Africa. The US retreat into unilateralism, and attempts at bullying, only served to highlight the unique role of China as the major power putting forward constructive strategies and proposals in the common interest of the vast majority of humanity.

In his speech delivered on February 20, the first day of the conference, Wang Yi said that China would work with all other parties in the following areas:

Acting as the guardians of world peace. Countries should respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and respect the development paths and social systems independently chosen by each other. Countries should persevere with dialogue and negotiation and seek peaceful settlements to differences and political solutions to international and regional hotspot issues. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, initiated by China and some other Global South countries 70 years ago, remain as relevant as ever under current circumstances.

Acting as the builders of universal security. Humanity is a community with a shared future. It is also an indivisible community of shared security. A country must not pursue its own security at the expense of the security of other countries, and the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously.

Acting as the defenders of multilateralism. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. It is also the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

Noting that previous speakers had all spoken about the Ukraine crisis, Wang Yi said: “Although the parties have different positions and it is hard to find simple solutions to complex issues, dialogue is always better than confrontation and peace talks better than fighting… Acting on the wishes of the relevant parties and keeping in mind the concerns of the international community, especially those of the Global South, China will continue playing a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis.”

And turning to the question of Palestine, he remarked: “The conflict in Gaza has caused an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. The flames of war must not be reignited, and the ceasefire agreement must be implemented in a continuous and effective manner. Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people. ‘The Palestinians governing Palestine’ is an important principle that must be upheld in the post-conflict governance of Gaza… The historical injustice on the Palestinian question has remained unaddressed for over seven decades. The issue should not be marginalised once again.”

Wang Yi noted that: “This year represents an ‘African moment’ at the G20. After welcoming the African Union as a full member, the G20 is going to have a summit on the African continent for the first time. We must listen to what Africa has to say, take Africa’s concerns seriously, support Africa’s actions, and work for peace and development in Africa, so as to leave a distinct African mark on the Johannesburg Summit. China firmly supports the African people in independently resolving African problems and opposes external interference in the internal affairs of African countries.”

And in concluding he invoked the words of Nelson Mandela: “It is so easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build.”

Wang Yi made a further speech the next day, saying, “China is ready to join all sides in embracing the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’ proposed by South Africa, ushering in a new chapter of G20 cooperation, and working together for a just world of common development” in the following ways:

Through Solidarity we will cement the foundation of G20 cooperation. President Ramaphosa noted that, cooperation has been one of the key markers of human development, which is what the G20 was established for. We should seek common ground, set aside and overcome differences whenever possible, avoid division and discord, and reject bloc confrontation. Major countries should play a leading role in advancing reform of the global economic governance system and improving the representation and voice of the Global South.

Through Equality we will empower the G20 on the way forward. In today’s world, technological revolution is progressing apace, presenting us with both opportunities and risks. China supports South Africa’s establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) task force and supports the Global AI Summit on Africa. China also welcomes you all to attend the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. Together with Brazil, South Africa and the African Union, we have jointly launched an Initiative on International Cooperation in Open Science, and we look forward to more countries and international organisations coming aboard.

Through Sustainability we will open up new prospects for the G20. China will take an active part in the two newly established task forces on “Inclusive Economic Growth” and “Food Security” set up by South Africa, and support cooperation in priority areas such as disaster relief, debt sustainability, fair energy transition and key minerals.

He further noted that: “Africa is experiencing a new awakening. The G20 should make the most of South Africa’s Presidency, mobilise more development resources, promote synergy in global development actions, and partner with Africa in industrialisation, infrastructure, green minerals and other areas, to accelerate the continent’s advance toward modernisation.”

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Additionally, the welcoming speech to the conference by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa may be read here.

Ghassan Kanafani, China, and the global struggle against imperialism

We republish below a book review by Friends of Socialist China co-editor Carlos Martinez of Ghassan Kanafani — Selected Political Writings, recently released by Pluto Press.

Best known for his literary works, Ghassan Kanafani was also a leading member and spokesperson of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and co-author of its program, Strategy for the Liberation of Palestine. Carlos comments: “A powerful and consistent advocate of armed struggle against colonial occupation, and of the centrality of the working class and peasantry in the struggle for national liberation, Kanafani was deeply influenced by the ideas of Lenin, Ho Chi Minh, Mao Zedong and Fidel Castro, and situated the Palestinian liberation struggle within the broader global struggle against imperialism and for socialism. His two visits to China (in 1965 and 66) left a profound mark on his thinking.”

The review further notes that Kanafani “took tremendous inspiration from the construction of ‘actually existing socialism’ and the revolutionary anti-colonial struggles waging around the world, and situated the Palestinian struggle within a global united front against imperialism.”

Carlos concludes:

As Kanafani wrote, “the Palestinian cause is not a cause for Palestinians only, but a cause for every revolutionary, wherever they are, as a cause of the exploited and oppressed masses in our era”. As such, Selected Political Writings deserves to be widely read. The editors have performed a most valuable service in making Kanafani’s political contributions available for readers of English.

This review first appeared in the Morning Star.

This new volume from Pluto Press, edited by Louis Brehony and Tahrir Hamdi, brings together some of the most important essays, manifestos and journalistic reports by the revered Palestinian writer and activist Ghassan Kanafani.

Kanafani is best known for his literary works, all of which are deeply imbued with the spirit of anti-colonial resistance. His novels, short stories and essays, such as Men in the Sun (1962) and Returning to Haifa (1969), vividly depict the experiences of exile, dispossession and resilience, giving voice to the Palestinian collective memory.

Rashid Khalidi, in The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine observes that, “among the literary figures whose ideas and images played a major role in the revival of Palestinian identity, Kanafani was perhaps the most prominent prose writer and the most widely translated”.

Kanafani also made important contributions as a journalist, theorist and political activist. Indeed, the editors of Selected Political Writings consider that he was “Palestine’s greatest Marxist thinker. His ideas – forged in the firepit of war, crisis and armed resistance – are flammable materials, rich in the lessons of the revolutionary sparks which ignited his era.”

Kanafani was spokesperson of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP – a Marxist-Leninist organisation that forms part of the resistance front in Gaza today) from the time of its formation in 1969, and co-authored its program, Strategy for the Liberation of Palestine.

A powerful and consistent advocate of armed struggle against colonial occupation, and of the centrality of the working class and peasantry in the struggle for national liberation, Kanafani was deeply influenced by the ideas of Lenin, Ho Chi Minh, Mao Zedong and Fidel Castro, and situated the Palestinian liberation struggle within the broader global struggle against imperialism and for socialism. His two visits to China (in 1965 and 66) “left a comparably profound mark on his thinking”.

Indeed, on page 113 of Selected Political Writings, in an extract from Strategy for the Liberation of Palestine, we find: “The Palestinian and Arab liberation movement in alliance with national liberation movements in all undeveloped and poor countries will, in facing world imperialism led by the USA, find a strong ally to back its forces and augment its power of resistance. This ally is the People’s Republic of China.”

China: Gaza belongs to Palestinians and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory

As the world continues to react to Donald Trump’s illegal and genocidal threats to seize control of the Gaza Strip and to forcibly expel the Palestinian population, the Arab diplomatic corps in China met on February 7 with Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong at their request. Chen has considerable experience and expertise in Middle Eastern affairs. Among his previous responsibilities, he served as the Director-General of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of West Asian and North African Affairs, as well as Ambassador to Iraq and as a diplomat in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt.

The diplomatic envoys of Arab states to China said that Gaza has been the territory of the Palestinian people since ancient times, and the Arab countries firmly oppose the policy of “cleaning out” Gaza, which seriously violates international law and international humanitarian law and also violates relevant resolutions of the United Nations. The Arab side appreciates China’s consistent and just position on the Palestinian question and expects China to continue to play a constructive role in safeguarding international fairness and justice and supporting Palestine’s legitimate national rights.

The following article originally appeared on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

On February 7, 2025, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong had a group meeting with diplomatic envoys of Arab states to China at the latter’s request. The two sides had an exchange of views on the Palestinian question.

Chen Xiaodong said that Gaza belongs to Palestinians and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory. Any arrangements concerning the future of Gaza must respect the will of the Palestinian people, and any post-conflict governance plan for Gaza must follow the principle of “the Palestinians governing Palestine”. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stressed that China supports the just position of Palestine. China always firmly supports the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, supports the effective jurisdiction of the Palestinian National Authority over all Palestinian territories including Gaza and the West Bank, and supports the two-State solution as the fundamental way out to work for an early and just political settlement of the Palestinian question. In other words, China firmly supports the establishment of an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. China is ready to continue to maintain close communication and coordination with Arab states on the Palestinian question.

The diplomatic envoys of Arab states to China said that Gaza has been the territory of the Palestinian people since ancient times, and the Arab countries firmly oppose the policy of “cleaning out” Gaza, which seriously violates international law and international humanitarian law and also violates relevant resolutions of the United Nations. The legitimate rights of the Palestinian people are not to be deprived of, and the fairness and justice of the international community brook no infringement. The Arab side appreciates China’s consistent and just position on the Palestinian question and expects China to continue to play a constructive role in safeguarding international fairness and justice and supporting Palestine’s legitimate national rights.

China opposes forced displacement of the people of Gaza

China has promptly joined the widespread international condemnation of US President Trump’s threats to expel the Palestinian people from Gaza and take control of the territory.

At the foreign ministry press conference on February 6, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people. It is an inalienable part of the territory of Palestine, not a bargaining chip for political games, still less a prey of the strong.

“China firmly supports the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, believes that ‘the Palestinians governing Palestine’ is an important principle that must be upheld in the post-conflict governance of Gaza, and opposes the forced displacement of the people of Gaza.”

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

BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) — Gaza is an inalienable part of the territory of Palestine, and China opposes the forced displacement of the people of Gaza, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to “clear out” and take over Gaza.

Guo said that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people. It is an inalienable part of the territory of Palestine, not a bargaining chip for political games, still less a prey of the strong.

The war has already left Gaza in devastation and suffering. The international community, major countries in particular, should join hands to make Gaza better, rather than worse, by providing humanitarian assistance and helping with its reconstruction, he said.

“China firmly supports the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, believes that ‘the Palestinians governing Palestine’ is an important principle that must be upheld in the post-conflict governance of Gaza, and opposes the forced displacement of the people of Gaza,” he said.

China stands ready to work with the rest of the world for the realization of the two-state solution as the fundamental way forward, and for an early, just political settlement of the Palestinian question, namely, the establishment of an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty based on the 1967 border and with east Jerusalem as its capital, Guo added.

China and Iran call for an end to Israeli occupation, an immediate ceasefire, and full troop withdrawal

One of the last high level diplomatic visitors to China in 2024 was Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, who held talks in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on December 28.

The timing of this important visit is surely not coincidental, coming at the end of a tumultuous year in the West Asia region, with the continuing genocide in Gaza, spreading conflict involving Lebanon, Yemen and other states, exchanges of missile fire between Iran and Israel and, earlier in December, the overthrow of the legitimate Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad by extremist terrorist forces massively backed by outside powers.

At their meeting, Wang said that China called on the international community to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Middle East, respect the legitimate and reasonable concerns of those countries, respect the independent choices made by the people of the Middle East, and respect the historical and cultural traditions of countries in that region.

Noting that the Middle East belongs to the people of the Middle East, he added that it is not an arena for major-power rivalry, nor should it be the victim of geopolitical competition among countries outside the region.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese Foreign Minister went on to say that the successful meeting between the two heads of state during the 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russia, provided strategic guidance for deepening China-Iran relations.

Noting the time-honoured China-Iran relations and the traditional friendship between the two peoples, Wang said that enhanced coordination and cooperation between China and Iran will not only benefit the two peoples, but also contribute to regional and world peace, stability and development. The two sides should continue to support each other on issues concerning their core interests, steadily promote practical cooperation and enhance cooperation in multilateral fields.

He called for closer coordination and cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) framework and for the upgrading and strengthening of BRICS cooperation, to better safeguard the common interests of the Global South.

In the face of instability and uncertainty in today’s world, Wang emphasised that China and Iran must stay focused and strengthen solidarity and cooperation, jointly advocate and practice genuine multilateralism, and work for a more just and equitable global governance system.

Araghchi said that developing and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and China is the priority of Iran’s foreign policy, and Iran attaches great importance to China’s important role in upholding justice in international affairs.

The Palestine Chronicle reported that the top diplomats from China and Iran called for the restoration of Palestinian rights and the termination of Israel’s occupation, emphasising the need for an immediate ceasefire, full troop withdrawal, and humanitarian aid.

In a joint statement, it quoted the Anadolu news agency as reporting, the foreign ministers of China and Iran stressed the urgent need to address the Palestinian issue through the restoration of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights and the end of Israel’s occupation,

The Palestine Chronicle report continued: “This visit marked Foreign Minister Araghchi’s first official trip to China since taking office. During the discussions, the two sides also addressed the situation in Lebanon, urging the effective implementation of the ceasefire agreements, and reiterating their commitment to respecting Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Ambassador Fu Cong condemns Israel’s continuing war crimes in Gaza

At the start of the new year, China’s Ambassador to the United Nations Fu Cong has condemned Israel’s continuing war crimes in Gaza and especially the attack on the Kamal Adwan Hospital.

Speaking at a January 3 Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, called by Algeria, which this month holds the rotating presidency of the council, Fu Cong said:

“As the new year begins, people all expect everything to take on a fresh look. Yet in Gaza, death continues to cast its shadow, and the bombings and attacks by Israel do not cease even for a moment. For the people in Gaza, they were not counting down to the happy celebration of the new year, but the next bombing that could happen anytime.”

He added that, “Right before the new year, a heinous tragedy took place in northern Gaza.” Israel had attacked the Kamal Adwan Hospital, “the only remaining comprehensive medical service institution in northern Gaza, forcibly detaining medical and care personnel, forcibly transferring innocent patients, causing the deaths of a large number of people, and plunging the hospital into a sea of fire. This act seriously violates international law, in particular international humanitarian law. It is appalling and China strongly condemns this.”

Moreover: “It is not the first time that Kamal Adwan Hospital has been attacked, nor is it the only hospital in Gaza that has been attacked. According to the OHCHR [the Office of the [UN} High Commissioner for Human Rights] report, by June 2024, at least 27 hospitals and 12 medical institutions in Gaza have been subject to 136 attacks, which claimed the lives of over 500 medical personnel… There is also analysis indicating that the lethal attacks launched by Israel against the medical institutions in Gaza to bring the medical system in Gaza to the brink of collapse are part of the systematic strategy to make Gaza uninhabitable.”

He urged Israel to “stop turning hospitals into battlefields, stop launching attacks on medical facilities, ensure the safety of medical institutions and personnel, and release all medical personnel detained.”

We reprint below the full text of Ambassador Fu Cong’s remarks. They were originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

President.

At the outset, I wish to congratulate Algeria on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for this month. I welcome Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia to officially take part in the Council’s work. China looks forward to working with all Council members for the Security Council to effectively fulfill its mandate under the UN Charter in 2025.

I thank Algeria for the initiative to hold today’s meeting. I thank High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Volker Türk, Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, and Dr. Tanya Haj Hassan for their briefings.

As the new year begins, people all expect everything to take on a fresh look. Yet in Gaza, death continues to cast its shadow, and the bombings and attacks by Israel do not cease even for a moment. For the people in Gaza, they were not counting down to the happy celebration of the new year, but the next bombing that could happen anytime.

Right before the new year, a heinous tragedy took place in northern Gaza. The Israeli force launched an attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital, the only remaining comprehensive medical service institution in northern Gaza, forcibly detaining medical and care personnel, forcibly transferring innocent patients, causing the deaths of a large number of people, and plunging the hospital into a sea of fire. This act seriously violates international law, in particular international humanitarian law. It is appalling, and China strongly condemns this.