Category: Middle East

Xi Jinping: China and Arab countries witnessing mutual trust and vibrant practical cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that the Arab countries are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening solidarity and cooperation for the Global South and in upholding their common interests.

His statement came in a congratulatory message to King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the rotating chairperson of the Council of Heads of the League of Arab States, on the convening of the 33rd Arab League Summit in Bahrain. He also said that China is ready to work with Arab countries to build a China-Arab community with a shared future at a higher level.

Xi stressed that the current China-Arab ties are in the best period in history. He said that in December 2022, he attended the first China-Arab States Summit with leaders of Arab states in Saudi Arabia, drew up a comprehensive blueprint for the development of China-Arab relations, and agreed to make all-out efforts to build a China-Arab community with a shared future for the new era.

At the end of May, the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum will be held in Beijing, Xi noted, expressing his hope that the two sides will take the meeting as an opportunity to further deepen cooperation in various fields, so as to better benefit the two peoples.

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

China is ready to work with Arab countries to build a China-Arab community with a shared future at a higher level, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory message to King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the rotating chairperson of the Council of Heads of the League of Arab States, over the convening of the 33rd Arab League Summit in Bahrain.

Xi noted that the Arab League has long been committed to pushing for unity and self strengthening in the Arab world, and promoting peace, stability and development in the Middle East.

In recent years, facing changes in the world, the times and history, Arab countries have adhered to independence, promoted development and revitalization, upheld fairness and justice, and safeguarded regional peace and stability, Xi said, adding that Arab countries are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening solidarity and cooperation for the “Global South” and in upholding their common interests.

Xi stressed that the current China-Arab ties are in the best period in history. He said that in December 2022, he attended the first China-Arab States Summit with leaders of Arab states, drew up a comprehensive blueprint for the development of China-Arab relations, and agreed to make all-out efforts to build a China-Arab community with a shared future for the new era.

For more than a year, China and Arab countries have witnessed deepening political mutual trust, vibrant practical cooperation, as well as rich cultural and people-to-people exchanges, Xi said, adding that their cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful outcomes.

Looking to the future, China is ready to work with Arab countries to continue carrying forward the spirit of the China-Arab friendship, build a China-Arab community with a shared future at a higher level, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.

At the end of this month, the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum will be held in Beijing, Xi said, expressing his hope that the two sides will take the 10th ministerial meeting as an opportunity to further deepen cooperation in various fields, so as to better benefit the two peoples.

China decries historical injustice against the Palestinian People

May 15 marked the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, the catastrophe that saw the destruction of the historic Palestinian homeland and the uprooting and ethnic cleansing of the indigenous population at the hands of Zionist colonisers in 1948.

At the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s regular press conference that day, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that:

“Seventy-six years on, the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people, far from being redressed, has further worsened. Today’s Gaza Strip is left in ruins and rubble. Those wounded and ill cannot receive timely treatment, those hungry cannot obtain necessities, and those escaping from the disaster have nowhere to go.

“People cannot help but ask, for how long will the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza drag on and when will the Palestinian people be able to see an end to their suffering?”

Reporting Wang’s remarks, the Palestine Chronicle further recapped China’s recent expressions of support for the struggle of the Palestinian people, including repeated calls for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations, and affirming, at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the legality of the Palestinian armed struggle against occupation. In this regard, it recalled Chinese official Ma Xinmin’s statement to the ICJ that:

“The struggle waged by peoples for their liberation and right to self-determination, including armed struggle against colonialism, occupation and aggression, should not be considered terror acts.”

The following article was originally published by Palestine Chronicle.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a press conference on Wednesday that the “historical injustice” of the Nakba “has further worsened”.

Wenbin’s remarks were made during his regular press conference on May 15, which marked the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, the Catastrophe, the destruction of the Palestinian homeland – historic Palestine – and the mass ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian population in 1948. 

“Seventy-six years on, the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people, far from being redressed, has further worsened,” Wenbin said.

“Today’s Gaza Strip is left in ruins and rubble. Those wounded and ill cannot receive timely treatment, those hungry cannot obtain basic necessities, and those escaping from the disaster have nowhere to go,” the Chinese official added.

“People cannot help but ask, for how long will the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza drag on and when will the Palestinian people be able to see an end to their suffering?”

Wenbin also reiterated that “China firmly opposes the expansion of the fighting to Rafah and opposes collective punishment on the people in Gaza.”

He also said that China continues to “support the establishment of an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty based on the 1967 border and with east Jerusalem as its capital.”

Calls for Ceasefire

China has repeatedly called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and affirmed its support for full membership of Palestine in the United Nations. 

During a press conference on the sidelines of the second session of the National Council in Beijing last March, the Chinese minister said that “the failure to end this humanitarian disaster today, in the 21st century, is a tragedy for humanity and disgrace for civilization,”

“Nothing justifies the protraction of the conflict or the killing of the civilian population,” he added.

Wang Yi also affirmed his country’s strong support for the “just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights”.

He stressed that China “will continue to work with the international community to restore peace, save lives, and uphold justice” adding that China supports “Palestine’s bid to become a full member state of the United Nations.”

Right to Armed Struggle

On February 21, China sharply criticized the United States for vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Beijing said the move effectively gave a “green light to the continued slaughter” of Palestinians.

One day later, addressing the International Court of Justice, the Chinese representative said the Palestinians’ use of armed struggle to gain independence from foreign and colonial rule is “legitimate” and “well-founded” in international law.

“In pursuit of the right to self-determination, Palestinian people’s use of force to resist foreign oppression and complete the establishment of an independent state is (an) inalienable right well founded in international law,” Ma Xinmin told the ICJ in The Hague.

Citing resolutions by the UN General Assembly, Beijing’s envoy to the top world court said that people struggling for self-determination could use “all available means, including armed struggle.”

“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,” Ma stated in his address to the ICJ, citing international conventions.

Genocide Continues

Currently on trial before the International Court of Justice for genocide against Palestinians, Israel has been waging a devastating war on Gaza since October 7. 

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 35,233 Palestinians have been killed, and 79,141.

Moreover, at least 11,000 people are unaccounted for, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes throughout the Strip. 

Palestinian and international organizations say that the majority of those killed and wounded are women and children.

The Israeli war has resulted in an acute famine, mostly in northern Gaza, resulting in the death of many Palestinians, mostly children.

The Israeli aggression has also resulted in the forceful displacement of nearly two million people from all over the Gaza Strip, with the vast majority of the displaced forced into the densely crowded southern city of Rafah near the border with Egypt – in what has become Palestine’s largest mass exodus since the 1948 Nakba. 

Israel says that 1,200 soldiers and civilians were killed during the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation on October 7. Israeli media published reports suggesting that many Israelis were killed on that day by ‘friendly fire’.

China urges admitting Palestine as full UN member state

Speaking at the United Nations on May 10, Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong expressed support for the UN Security Council (UNSC) to reconsider Palestine’s application to join the world body.

His comments followed a vote in the UN General Assembly, calling on the world body to admit Palestine as a full member state. Of the 193 members of the UN, 143 voted in favour, just nine countries, including the United States, voted against, while 25 countries abstained. Those who did not participate in the vote included a number whose right to vote has been withdrawn, as US sanctions and theft prevent them from paying their membership dues. These include Venezuela and Afghanistan. Thus, Venezuela, one of the strongest supporters of the Palestinian people, was able to sponsor the resolution but not vote for it.

In his remarks, Ambassador Fu highlighted that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been cyclical for decades, causing generations of Palestinians to “lose their home and live in displacement under occupation.” He described the situation as a “wound of the world that is constantly ripped open and bleeding.”

The General Assembly vote followed the United States veto of a similar resolution in the Security Council on April 18. Fu described the US action as “merciless”, adding that it was, “not commensurate with the role of a responsible major country.”

As the General Assembly resolution is not binding in terms of Palestine’s full admission to the UN, due to the US’ Security Council veto, it also includes provisions for Palestine’s participation in UN activities, granting additional rights and privileges. Fu explained that these are “special modalities decided on for a lack of other options as a remedy for the historical injustice long endured by Palestine” and as a correction to the US abuse of its veto power. He further emphasised that these are exceptional and not a precedent, expressing confidence that one day Palestine “will become a full UN member and enjoy full and equal rights in the UN like other member states.”

Details of these provisions, and much more useful information and analysis, can be found in this video from Ben Norton of Geopolitical Economy Report. 

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

China supports UNSC’s early reconsideration of Palestine’s application to join UN

UNITED NATIONS, May 10 (Xinhua) — China on Friday expressed support for the UN Security Council (UNSC) to reconsider Palestine’s application to join the world body.

China’s permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong emphasized the need for Palestine to be granted full UN membership in his address at the Tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly.

Fu highlighted that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been cyclical for decades, causing generations of Palestinians to “lose their home and live in displacement under occupation.”

He described the situation as a “wound of the world that is constantly ripped open and bleeding.”

Fu stressed that “independent statehood has been a long-cherished aspiration of the Palestinian people” and full UN membership is a crucial step in this historic process.

He insisted that “Palestine should have the same status as Israel,” and it is the international community’s “common responsibility to support and advance the process of Palestine’s independent statehood” to ensure the “implementation of the two-state solution and lasting peace in the Middle East.”

Reflecting on recent developments, Fu expressed regret that “Palestine’s application for full UN membership was mercilessly vetoed by the United States in the Security Council on April 18.”

He criticized the United States for using its veto power to obstruct efforts to correct historical injustice against Palestine, stating that this is “not commensurate with the role of a responsible major country.”

The General Assembly’s emergency special session adopted a resolution by an overwhelming majority, reaffirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, recognizing Palestine’s qualification for full UN membership, and recommending that the Security Council reconsider its application.

“China welcomes this historic resolution, which reflects the will of the international community,” Fu said, noting that China co-sponsored the resolution and hoped that “the relevant country will not create further delays or hurdles.”

The resolution also includes provisions for Palestine’s participation in UN activities, granting additional rights and privileges. Fu explained that these are “special modalities decided on for a lack of other options as a remedy for the historical injustice long endured by Palestine” and as a correction to the U.S. abuse of its veto power.

He said that these modalities, adopted within the limits permitted by the UN Charter, will “enable the international community to listen more adequately to the voice of Palestine” and assist in facilitating dialogue and negotiations with Israel on a relatively equal footing.

Fu emphasized that these arrangements are exceptional and not a precedent, expressing confidence that one day Palestine “will become a full UN member and enjoy full and equal rights in the UN like other member states.”

Fu concluded by addressing the ongoing conflict, identifying the lack of implementation of the two-state solution as the core issue.

He urged Israel to “stop the collective punishment of the Gaza population,” halt its military actions in Rafah, and remove all restrictions on humanitarian goods entering Gaza.

In the West Bank, Fu called for an end to settlement activities and a reduction in settler violence.

He reaffirmed China’s commitment to playing a constructive role in achieving an immediate ceasefire, revitalizing the two-state solution, and promoting peaceful coexistence and lasting stability in the Middle East.

China-France joint statement on the situation in the Middle East

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a three-day state visit to France, the first leg of his European tour, on May 7. 

Considering the present global situation, one of the most significant outcomes of Xi’s visit was the release of a 10-point joint statement by the two countries on the situation in the Middle East.

It states that, as permanent members of the United States Security Council, China and France are working together to find constructive solutions, based on international law, to the challenges and threats to international security and stability.

It adds that they “condemn all violations of international humanitarian law, including all acts of terrorist violence and indiscriminate attacks against civilians. They recall the absolute imperative of protecting civilians in Gaza in accordance with international humanitarian law. The two heads of state expressed their opposition to an Israeli offensive on Rafah, which would lead to a humanitarian disaster on a larger scale, as well as to forced displacement of Palestinian civilians.”

The two presidents also stressed that an immediate and sustainable ceasefire is urgently needed to enable the delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip. 

And they called on all parties to “refrain from unilateral measures on the ground that might aggravate tensions, and in this respect condemned Israel’s policy of settlement construction, which violates international law and constitutes a major obstacle to lasting peace as well as to the possibility of establishing a viable and contiguous State of Palestine.” 

Whilst some of the language also indicates a degree of compromise on China’s part, the overall standpoint adopted by France in this joint statement stands in sharp contrast to the fulsome support extended to Israel’s genocidal war of aggression by US and British imperialism. It therefore clearly refutes the naive and dogmatic view of some on the contemporary left who assert, in flights of rhetoric, that contradictions between imperialist powers no longer exist and can therefore not be utilised. 

In clear contrast to such idealist viewpoints, China’s principled and skilful diplomacy proceeds from the Leninist standpoint, clearly articulated by the founder of the Soviet workers’ state in in his famous article ‘Left-Wing’ Communism: an Infantile Disorder: 

“To carry on a war for the overthrow of the international bourgeoisie, a war which is a hundred times more difficult, protracted and complex than the most stubborn of ordinary wars between states, and to renounce in advance any change of tack, or any utilisation of a conflict of interests (even if temporary) among one’s enemies, or any conciliation or compromise with possible allies (even if they are temporary, unstable, vacillating or conditional allies)—is that not ridiculous in the extreme?”

We reprint below the full text of the China-France joint statement. It was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

At the invitation of H.E. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, paid a state visit to France from May 5 to 7, 2024. The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on the situation in the Middle East:

1. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and France are working together to find constructive solutions, based on international law, to the challenges and threats to international security and stability.

2. China and France condemn all violations of international humanitarian law, including all acts of terrorist violence and indiscriminate attacks against civilians. They recall the absolute imperative of protecting civilians in Gaza in accordance with international humanitarian law. The two heads of state expressed their opposition to an Israeli offensive on Rafah, which would lead to a humanitarian disaster on a larger scale, as well as to forced displacement of Palestinian civilians.

3. The two heads of state stressed that an immediate and sustainable ceasefire is urgently needed to enable the delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip. They called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and the guarantee of humanitarian access to meet their medical and other humanitarian needs, as well as respect for international law with regard to all detainees. They called for the immediate and effective implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions, in particular Security Council resolutions 2712, 2720 and 2728. This is the only credible way to guarantee peace and security for all and to ensure that neither Palestinians nor Israelis will suffer from the horrors they have experienced since the attack on October 7, 2023.

4. The two heads of state called for the effective opening of all necessary corridors and crossing points to enable rapid, safe, sustainable and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip. The two heads of state stressed the importance of strengthening the coordination of international humanitarian efforts.

5. The two heads of state called on all parties to refrain from unilateral measures on the ground that might aggravate tensions, and in this respect condemned Israel’s policy of settlement construction, which violates international law and constitutes a major obstacle to lasting peace as well as to the possibility of establishing a viable and contiguous State of Palestine. The two heads of state reiterated that the future governance of Gaza cannot be dissociated from a comprehensive political settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the two-State solution.

6. The two heads of state called for a decisive and irreversible relaunch of a political process to concretely implement the two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, both with Jerusalem as their capital, and the establishment of a viable, independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders. The two heads of state reaffirmed their commitment to this solution, which is the only way to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian people for lasting peace and security.

7. The two heads of state also expressed deep concern over the risk of escalation in the region, and called for the prevention of regional turbulence. China and France are working with their partners to deescalate the situation and call on all parties to exercise restraint.

8. China and France reaffirm their commitment to promoting a political and diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action concluded in 2015 is a major outcome of multilateral diplomacy. The two countries are concerned about the risks of escalation, recall the importance of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and facilitation of diplomatic efforts, and reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the international non-proliferation regime and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

9. The two heads of state stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and called for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilian vessels to safeguard maritime security and global trade and prevent regional tensions and humanitarian and environmental risks.

10. The two heads of state called for the observance of the Olympic Truce during the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Olympic Truce calls on all parties to stop hostilities throughout the Games. As conflicts spread and tensions rise, the Truce is an opportunity to work toward a durable resolution of conflicts in full respect of international law. 

China continues to speak out in support of the Palestinian people

China has continued to speak out in support of the struggle of the Palestinian people and to excoriate the hypocritical stand of the United States, which is doing everything in its power to shield and abet the criminal Israeli regime.

Speaking at an April 18 joint press conference with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi in the capital Jakarta, on the first leg of a regional tour which also took him to Papua New Guinea and Cambodia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that there is no exception nor any privilege for the United States in complying with international law, including United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The UN Security Council, in response to the calls of the international community, has been continuously deliberating on draft resolutions regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, only to be repeatedly vetoed by the United States, Wang said. He added that the Security Council had recently adopted Resolution 2728, demanding an immediate ceasefire. This time, the United States did not dare to continue standing against international moral principles and instead chose to abstain yet claimed that this resolution was “non-binding.”

This statement by the United States has astounded the world, once again exposing the hegemonic mentality of the United States, Wang noted. He criticised the US for employing international law as merely a tool that can be utilised at will or discarded when deemed unnecessary.

Wang further pointed out that every member state of the United Nations is well aware that the resolutions adopted by the Security Council in accordance with the UN Charter are binding and that all countries are obliged to abide by them.

On the same day, Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Fu Cong, addressed a meeting of the Security Council prior to its voting on a resolution that would have admitted the State of Palestine as a full UN member, upgrading its present observer status.

Fu said: “An immediate ceasefire must be promoted with the utmost urgency. Ramadan has already ended, but the people of Gaza still have not seen the long-awaited ceasefire.”

The Ambassador alluded here to the clause in Resolution 2728, which begins:  “Demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire.”

He continued: “Tangible actions must be taken to alleviate the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Even if the people of Gaza are lucky enough to escape shelling and airstrikes, they still have to face a man-made famine. Such a catastrophe in the 21st century breaches the bottom line of moral conscience… The current round of conflict is an extremely tragic warning to the international community that it can no longer evade the aspiration of the Palestinian people for independence and statehood or perpetuate the historical injustice inflicted upon the Palestinian people.”

Ahead of the vote, he concluded: “Full membership in the UN is an important step for Palestine to establish an independent state. Palestine has requested renewed consideration of its application for full membership in the UN. China calls on all members of the Council to take a responsible attitude in light of history and cast a favourable vote this afternoon to support Palestine in joining the UN family as a full member.”

The United States proceeded to veto the resolution as the sole negative vote. Twelve members of the Security Council, including permanent members China, Russia and France, voted in favour, while Britain and Switzerland abstained.

Reacting to the vote, and the US veto, Fu Cong stated: “Today is a sad day,” because the US veto has ruthlessly dashed “the decades-long dream of the Palestinian people.” 

“The claim that the State of Palestine does not have the capacity to govern does not align with the reality on the ground.” Palestine’s survival space as a state has been constantly squeezed, and the foundation of the two-state solution has been continuously eroded, he added, condemning what he described as “gangster logic that confuses right and wrong.”

 “If it is out of political calculation to oppose Palestine’s full membership of the UN, it would be better to simply say so, instead of making excuses to re-victimise the Palestinian people.” On the broader implications of denying Palestine full membership, Fu argued that this action puts the cart before the horse, especially as “the Israeli side is rejecting the two-state solution more and more clearly.”

On April 24, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Geng Shuang said that Israel’s attacks without solid evidence on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are unacceptable. Israel, he continued, made serious accusations against UNRWA over links to terrorism for which no evidence has yet been shared.

“At this point, the debate on UNRWA’s neutrality shall come to an end. We urge all countries to resume funding for UNRWA as soon as possible and to refrain from using any pretext to impose additional collective punishment on the population of Gaza.” To guarantee aid delivery by humanitarian agencies is the responsibility of the occupying power. Hunger cannot be used as a weapon and relief cannot be politicized, Geng said.

It has been 200 days since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict. In these 200 days, the world has seen the spread of hunger and famine, the collapse of the health care system, the loss of innocent lives, and the desperate struggle of millions of people on the brink of death. “There is no justification for prolonging this conflict, and there’s no excuse for the killing of civilians.”

Security Council Resolution 2728, which calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, is indisputably binding, and all member states are obligated to implement it. China supports the council in taking further actions to ensure the implementation of Resolution 2728, he added.

Meanwhile, on April 17, the Xinhua News Agency reported that China was sending two further batches of humanitarian aid, including tents, blankets, clothing, medical supplies and flour, to Gaza via the Rafah border crossing.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Continue reading China continues to speak out in support of the Palestinian people

Chinese and Iranian defence ministers discuss cooperation

Following an April 26 meeting of the defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), held in the Kazakh capital Astana, Iran has expressed appreciation for China’s position and understanding regarding its April 13 missile and drone attack on Israeli military targets, in response to Israel’s April 1 attack on the consular section of Iran’s embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

Meeting with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun on the sidelines of the conference, Iranian Defence Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani hailed China’s stance on the ongoing developments in the region and its condemnation of Israel’s terrorist airstrike against Iran’s diplomatic premises. It is necessary, he said, for Iran and China to boost cooperation and convergence to solve security issues in the region and across the world.

Dong Jun, for his part, slammed Israel’s attack on Iran’s diplomatic premises in Syria, which he said violated international law. China supports Iran’s legitimate right to respond to Israel, he added. He invited his Iranian counterpart to take part in a security conference in Beijing and called for enhanced bilateral cooperation in the defence and military arenas. 

Besides his meeting with Ashtiani, the Xinhua News Agency reported that Dong also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Pakistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, during his stay in Kazakhstan. 

Earlier, on April 15, following the Iranian action, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone talks with his Iranian and Saudi counterparts. Preserving the Saudi-Iranian rapprochement, which was brokered in Beijing last year, is a clear priority for China’s diplomacy and also serves to safeguard the peace process in Yemen, assists in ending conflict in Syria and impedes any American scheme to impose a one-sided deal with Israel that would negatively impact the struggle of the Palestinian people and that of the countries and peoples in the region against imperialism and Zionism. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian briefed Wang on Iran’s position on the attack on its consulate, saying that the UN Security Council did not make a necessary response and that Iran has the right to self-defence in response to the violation of its sovereignty. The Iranian side calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and supports China’s active efforts to push for this as well as to restore regional peace and strengthen cooperation among regional countries.

Wang Yi said China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, regarding it as a serious violation of international law and unacceptable.

China has noted Iran’s statement that its action taken was limited and was an act of self-defence in response to the attack. China appreciates Iran’s stress on not targeting regional and neighbouring countries as well as its reiteration on continuously pursuing a good-neighbourly and friendly policy. It is believed that Iran can handle the situation well and spare the region further turmoil while safeguarding its own sovereignty and dignity.

China is willing to maintain communication with the Iranian side and jointly push for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue, Wang added. China and Iran are comprehensive strategic partners, and China is willing to steadily advance practical cooperation with Iran in various fields for a greater development of bilateral relations.

Wang Yi told his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud that China has noticed Iran’s emphasis that its counterattack does not target any neighbouring country and that it is willing to continuously pursue a good-neighbourly policy.

This round of escalation is the latest manifestation of the spillover of the Gaza conflict, the Chinese Foreign Minister noted, adding that the top priority now is to strictly implement UN Security Council Resolution 2728, immediately realise an unconditional and lasting ceasefire, effectively protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian assistance.

The Palestinian people have long been unable to realise their legitimate national rights, which constitutes the most enduring injustice in modern times, and is the root cause of the Palestinian-Israeli issue, as well as the core of the Middle East issue.

For his part, Faisal said Saudi Arabia and China hold highly consistent positions on the current situation in the Middle East, noting that both countries stand for resolving differences through dialogue and are committed to maintaining peace and stability.

Saudi Arabia fully trusts China and is willing to push for the sustainable development of bilateral cooperation, he added.

The following articles were originally published by Press TV and the Xinhua News Agency.

Iran, China discuss military cooperation; Beijing backs Tehran’s ‘legitimate’ strikes against Israel

26 April (Press TV) — Iran and China’s defense chiefs discussed ways to enhance military cooperation, also conferring on regional issues. 

Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani met with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun on the sidelines of the 21st meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Friday.

Ashtiani hailed China’s stance on the ongoing developments in the region and its condemnation of Israel’s terrorist airstrike against Iran’s diplomatic premise in the Syrian capital of Damascus earlier this month.

It is necessary for Iran and China to boost cooperation and convergence to solve security issues in the region and across the world, the Iranian defense chief said.

On April 1, the Israeli regime carried out terrorist airstrikes on the consular section of Iran’s embassy in the Syrian capital, which killed two generals of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, as well as five of their accompanying officers.

In retaliation, the IRGC targeted the occupied territories on April 13 with a barrage of drones and missiles. The retaliatory strikes, dubbed Operation True Promise, inflicted damage on Israeli military bases across the occupied Palestinian territories.

Following the reprisal, Iran warned Israel against taking any retaliatory actions and also urged the US to try not to involve itself in the conflict and signaled that it viewed the matter as “concluded.”

China supports Iran’s retaliatory airstrikes against Israel: Dong

The Chinese defense minister, for his part, slammed Israel’s attack on Iran’s diplomatic premises in Syria, which he said violated international law.

China supports Iran’s legitimate right to respond to Israel, Dong added.

He invited his Iranian counterpart to take part in a security conference in Beijing and urged for enhanced bilateral cooperation in defense and military arenas. 

The Chinese defense chief called for an immediate ceasefire in the war-stricken Gaza Strip and the delivery of humanitarian aid there.

At least 34,356 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed and 77,368 people wounded in the war that Israel began on October 7 following a retaliatory operation by the Palestinian territory’s resistance movements.

The brutal military onslaught enjoys unreserved military and political support on the part of the Israeli regime’s Western allies, including the United States and France.

Chinese, Iranian FMs hold phone talks on Israel-Iran tensions

BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, held phone talks on Monday regarding the tensions between Israel and Iran.

Amir-Abdollahian briefed Wang on Iran’s position on the attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, saying that the UN Security Council did not make a necessary response to this attack, and that Iran has the right to self-defense in response to the violation of its sovereignty.

Noting that the current regional situation is very sensitive, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran is willing to exercise restraint and has no intention of further escalating the situation.

The Iranian side calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and supports China’s active efforts to push for a ceasefire, restore regional peace and strengthen cooperation among regional countries, Amir-Abdollahian said, adding that Iran is willing to work with China for further development of Iran-China cooperation.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, regarding it as a serious violation of international law and unacceptable.

China has noted Iran’s statement that its action taken was limited and was an act of self-defense in response to the attack against the Iranian consulate in Syria, Wang said.

China appreciates Iran’s stress on not targeting regional and neighboring countries as well as its reiteration on continuously pursuing a good-neighborly and friendly policy, he said.

It is believed that Iran can handle the situation well and spare the region further turmoil while safeguarding its own sovereignty and dignity, he added.

Wang said that the current situation is a spillover effect of the escalating conflict in Gaza. The pressing task now is to implement Security Council Resolution 2728 as soon as possible, achieve a ceasefire and end the fighting in Gaza, effectively protect civilians and prevent further aggravation of the humanitarian disaster, he said.

China is willing to maintain communication with the Iranian side and jointly push for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue, Wang said.

China and Iran are comprehensive strategic partners, and China is willing to steadily advance practical cooperation with Iran in various fields for a greater development of bilateral relations, Wang said.

Chinese, Saudi FMs hold phone talks on Middle East’s regional situation, bilateral ties

BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, held phone talks on Monday regarding the regional situation in the Middle East as well as China-Saudi Arabia ties.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China firmly opposes the attack on the Iranian consulate building in Syria’s capital, Damascus, which is a serious violation of international law.

China has noticed Iran’s emphasis that its counterattack does not target any neighboring country and that it is willing to continuously pursue a good-neighborly policy, Wang added.

The current situation entails a choice between deterioration and a return to normalcy, Wang noted.

Wang said China appreciates Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on resolving issues through diplomatic means, adding that China is willing to work together with Saudi Arabia to avoid further escalation of confrontation.

This round of escalation is the latest manifestation of the spillover of the Gaza conflict, Wang noted, adding that the top priority now is to strictly implement UN Security Council Resolution 2728, immediately realize an unconditional and lasting ceasefire, effectively protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian assistance.

The Palestinian people have long been unable to realize their legitimate national rights, which constitutes the most enduring injustice in modern times, and is the root cause of the Palestinian-Israeli issue, as well as the core of the Middle East issue, Wang said.

The issue should be solved by implementing the two-state solution as soon as possible, establishing an independent Palestinian state, restoring the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, and realizing the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel, Wang said.

The international community should take more active actions to support Palestine in becoming a full member of the United Nations, promote the convening of a larger-scale, more authoritative, and more effective international peace conference, and develop a timetable and roadmap for the implementation of the two-state solution, Wang said, noting that China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Saudi Arabia and make joint efforts to this end.

Saudi Arabia is an important partner of China in the Middle East, said Wang, adding that China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Saudi Arabia, follow through on the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, continuously deepen political mutual trust, and promote bilateral relations to higher levels.

For his part, Faisal said Saudi Arabia and China hold highly consistent positions on the current situation in the Middle East, noting that both countries stand for resolving differences through dialogue and are committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East.

Faisal said that Saudi Arabia, deeply concerned about the current escalating situation in the Middle East, hopes that the situation will return to the normal track as soon as possible.

Noting that Saudi Arabia highly expects China to play an active and important role in this regard, Faisal said the Saudi side is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to promote an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, start the implementation of the two-state solution, and help achieve stability in the Middle East at an early date.

Saudi Arabia fully trusts China, and is willing to push for the sustainable development of bilateral cooperation, he added.

China hosts dialogue between Palestinian factions

As part of its support for the just struggle of the Palestinian people, and to encourage and facilitate unity in the ranks of the Palestinian liberation movement, China hosted talks between Fatah and the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas in Beijing on April 26.

Little news has been published with regards to the talks. However, on the same day, in response to a media question, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, at the ministry’s regular press conference, noted that China supports all Palestinian factions in achieving reconciliation and increasing solidarity through dialogue and consultation.

At the April 30 press conference, spokesperson Lin Jian added:

“At the invitation of the Chinese side, representatives of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) recently came to Beijing to have in-depth and candid dialogue on promoting Palestinian reconciliation. The two sides fully expressed their political will of realising reconciliation through dialogue and consultation, had discussions on many specific issues, and made encouraging progress. They agreed to continue this dialogue process so as to achieve Palestinian solidarity and unity at an early date. They highly appreciated China’s firm support for the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, thanked the Chinese side for its efforts to help strengthen Palestinian internal unity, and reached agreement on ideas for future dialogue.”

Also on April 26, China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi gave a written interview to the Qatar-based Al Jazeera Media Network.

Wang stated that the protracted conflict in Gaza has become a humanitarian catastrophe that should not have happened, adding that it has gone far beyond the bottom line of modern civilisation. The overriding priority is to realise a ceasefire as soon as possible:

“Even one more day of delay would mean further violation of human conscience and more erosion of the cornerstone of justice.”

Regarding the UN Security Council calling for a ceasefire, he noted that “the resolution is legally binding, and should be enforced effectively to achieve an unconditional and lasting ceasefire right away.”

The foreign minister went on to say that unimpeded humanitarian assistance must be ensured at all times, describing this as a “pressing moral obligation.” China has firmly opposed forced transfer of Palestinian civilians and collective punishment against people in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict and continuously provided humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

The historical injustice done to the Palestinian people must be redressed in a timely fashion, he said, adding that this is the right way to address the root cause of the conflict in Gaza. The Gaza calamity shows once again that the perpetual denial of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people is the root cause of the Palestinian question, and it is also the core issue of the Middle East question. 

In a highly significant passage, he added:

“China will continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Middle East countries and the whole international community to firmly support the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights; firmly support internal reconciliation among different factions of Palestine through dialogue; firmly support Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations at an early date; and firmly support establishing the independent State of Palestine and realising ‘the Palestinians governing Palestine.’ (Emphasis in Foreign Ministry original.)

Wang Yi also addressed a number of other major international issues.

Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, he again said that it is imperative to address both symptoms and root causes. Alluding to the steady encroachment of US-led NATO on Russia, he said: “To uproot the crisis, we must dive deeper into the question of security. Pursuing unilateral or absolute security by willfully compressing the security space of others will inevitably tip the balance of power in the region and give rise to conflicts.”

On Taiwan, he reiterated China’s long-standing and consistent position that: “We will strive for peaceful reunification with the utmost effort and greatest sincerity. In the meantime, our bottom line is also clear: we will absolutely not allow anyone to separate Taiwan from China in any way.”

He went on to note that “some countries are giving ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist elements more and more weapons behind the scenes, in stark contrast to their calls for peace and stability of the Strait. These moves will only increase the risk of conflict and confrontation, and seriously undermine peace and stability in the Strait and the region as a whole. China will not sit on its hands [in the face of] external disruptions… As President Xi Jinping has stressed, complete reunification of our motherland is the shared aspiration of the people, the trend of the times and a historical inevitability, and no force can stop it. China will ultimately achieve complete reunification, and Taiwan is bound to return to the embrace of the motherland.”

Turning to prospects for relations between China and the United States, he said that despite the agreements reached between the two heads of state at their meeting in San Francisco last November, “the United States still sticks to its misperception of China and presses ahead with its misguided policy to contain China. It has recently continued to woo its so-called allies in an attempt to provoke tensions at sea in the region and build networks to contain China at a faster pace. It has kept ratcheting up its unilateral sanctions and gone all out to constrain China’s development of science and technology. The United States should not view the world through the lens of Cold War and zero-sum mentality, and it should not say one thing but do another. The people of the world have clear eyes, and even more so for the Middle East people who can see easily who is on the right side of history and justice.”

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Continue reading China hosts dialogue between Palestinian factions

Left-wing political parties from Arab countries thank China for its support of Palestinian national rights

A delegation of left-wing political parties from Arab countries, led by Bassam Zakarneh, a member of the Revolutionary Council of Palestine’s Fatah, recently visited China.

Meeting the delegation on March 28, Li Mingxiang, Vice-Minister of the Communist Party of China’s International Department (IDCPC), said that China will continue to make unremitting efforts to promote a ceasefire in Gaza and achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. The CPC is willing to deepen strategic communication and experience exchanges in state governance and administration with left-wing political parties in Arab countries, help build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era, and jointly advance the cause of human progress.  

Zakarneh thanked the Chinese side for its firm support for the Palestinian peoples’ just cause of regaining their legitimate national rights. Left-wing political parties in Arab countries are willing to strengthen exchanges with the CPC and learn from its successful experience in promoting theoretical innovation and Chinese modernisation.  

The below article was originally published on the website of the IDCPC.

Beijing, March 26th—Li Mingxiang, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a delegation of left-wing political parties in Arab countries led by Bassam Zakarneh, Member of Fatah’s Revolutionary Council.  

Li spoke positively of relations between China and Arab countries. Combining the spirit of China’s “Two Sessions”, he elaborated on the bright prospect of Chinese modernization in an in-depth manner. Li said that the Chinese side is willing to work with the international community to continue to make unremitting efforts to promote a ceasefire in Gaza and achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. The CPC is willing to deepen strategic communication and experience exchanges in state governance and administration with left-wing political parties in Arab countries, help build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era, and jointly advance the cause of human progress.  

Zakarneh said that China-Arab relations in the new era have achieved rapid development on the basis of traditional friendship, injecting confidence and impetus into regional and world peace, stability, development and prosperity, and thanked the Chinese side for its firm support for the Palestinian peoples’ just cause of regaining their legitimate national rights. Left-wing political parties in Arab countries are willing to strengthen exchanges with the CPC and learn from the CPC’s successful experience in promoting theoretical innovation and Chinese modernization. 

China condemns Israel’s attack on Iranian consulate in Damascus

On April 1, the Zionist regime in Israel, out of its malign and desperate attempt to extend its genocidal war in Gaza into a fullscale regional conflagration, which it doubtlessly believes would secure the overt participation of US imperialism, flagrantly attacked the Iranian consulate, adjacent to the country’s embassy, in the Syrian capital Damascus. Some sixteen deaths were reported.

The next day, Chinese Ambassador Geng Shuang addressed a United Nations Security Council briefing on the attack. He stated:

“Yesterday, the Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus, Syria were attacked by airstrikes, resulting in loss of several Iranian personnel and severe destruction to the premises. This is a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law and a breach of the sovereignty of both Syria and Iran. The attack is of an extremely vicious nature. China strongly condemns this attack.”

Ambassador Geng continued: “Twenty-five years ago, China’s Embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was bombed by US-led NATO airstrikes, resulting in personnel casualties and the destruction of the Chinese diplomatic premises. We feel the grief and pain of the Iranian government and people and express to them our deepest sympathy and condolences.”

On May 7, 1999, during the imperialist war of aggression against Yugoslavia, US-led NATO forces bombed the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade. Three journalists from the Xinhua News Agency and the Guangming Daily were martyred and many more Chinese comrades were injured.

Relating the Damascus attack to Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza, Geng Shuang continued:

“Since the Gaza conflict broke out in October last year, we have witnessed attacks on homes, attacks on schools, attacks on hospitals, attacks on humanitarian facilities, attacks on UN agencies, and today, attacks on diplomatic premises. The red line of international law and the fundamental principles of international relations has been breached time and again. And the moral bottom line of human conscience has been crushed time and again. Such a tragedy must stop immediately. Last week, the Council adopted Resolution 2728 calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We strongly call on the international community to work together to ensure this resolution is implemented so that the Muslim community will not have to celebrate the month of Ramadan in the midst of gunfire.”

He added that “the situation in the Middle East has become ever more precarious. Israel’s frequent cross-border strikes against targets in Syria and Lebanon are a serious violation of the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the countries concerned, and have aggravated tensions throughout the region. Such provocative actions might trigger greater turmoils and jeopardise the security of the entire region. Such actions must stop immediately.”

In its letter to the UN Security Council, Iran stated that it, “reserves its legitimate and inherent right to respond decisively” to Israel’s murderous aggression.

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

Madam President, 

At the outset, I would like to congratulate Malta for assuming the Presidency of the Council for this month. The Chinese delegation will fully cooperate with you and your colleagues. I also commend Japan for all its efforts serving as the President of the Council last month. 

Yesterday, the Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus, Syria were attacked by airstrikes, resulting in loss of several Iranian personnel and severe destruction to the premises. This is a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law and a breach of the sovereignty of both Syria and Iran. The attack is of an extremely vicious nature. China strongly condemns this attack. 25 years ago, China’s Embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was bombed by US-led NATO airstrikes, resulting in personnel casualties and the destruction of the Chinese diplomatic premises. We feel the grief and pain of the Iranian Government and people and express to them our deepest sympathy and condolences. 

In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the universally recognized fundamental principles governing international relations, the safety and security of diplomatic missions shall be inviolable. To allow impunity for such reckless acts that lack any baseline would sent a seriously wrong signal and would encourage even more risky acts. We take note of the solemn protests and condemnation against Israel raised by Iran, Syria, and other Arab countries. We hope that Israel will respond to them. 

Madam President, 

Since the Gaza conflict broke out in October last year, we have witnessed attacks on homes, attacks on schools, attacks on hospitals, attacks on humanitarian facilities, attacks on UN agencies, and today, attacks on diplomatic premises. The red line of international law and the fundamental principles of international relations has been breached time and again. And the moral bottom line of human conscience has been crushed time and again. Such a tragedy must stop immediately. Last week, the Council adopted Resolution 2728 calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We strongly call on the international community to work together to ensure this resolution is implemented so that the Muslim community will not have to celebrate the month of Ramadan in the midst of gunfire. 

At present, the ground situation in Gaza is deteriorating with rising spillover risks. And the situation in the Middle East has become ever more precarious. Israel’s frequent cross-border strikes against targets in Syria and Lebanon are a serious violation of the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the countries concerned, and have aggravated tensions throughout the region. Such provocative actions might trigger greater turmoils and jeopardize the security of the entire region. Such actions must stop immediately. China calls on all parties, especially countries with important influence on Israel, to play a constructive role and to make concrete efforts to bring about an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ease tensions, and restore peace and stability in the Middle East at an early date. 

Thank you, President.

UN Resolution in Gaza is binding – China challenges US at Security Council

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) finally adopted a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, initially for the remainder of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, on March 25. 

The resolution, which was drafted and proposed by Mozambique, along with the other nine rotating, non-permanent members of the UNSC, was passed with 14 votes in favour. Faced with massive international condemnation and repudiation, the United States, which has repeatedly shielded Israel through the use of its veto power, abstained on this occasion, thereby allowing the resolution to pass. 

Speaking after the vote, China’s UN Ambassador Zhang Jun stated:

“Last Friday, the Security Council voted on the other draft resolution proposed by the United States on the situation in Gaza. China together with Algeria and Russia voted against it. A comparison of the two drafts shows the differences. The current draft is unequivocal and correct in its direction, demanding an immediate ceasefire, while the previous one has been evasive and ambiguous. The current draft demands an unconditional ceasefire, while the previous one has set preconditions for a ceasefire. The current draft reflects the general expectations of the international community and enjoys the collective support of the Arab states, while the previous one has been jointly rejected by the Arab states. The differences between the two drafts boil down to nothing but whether there should be an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and whether the collective punishment of the people in Gaza should be allowed to continue. On this issue, China, like most members of the international community, has been very clear from the very outset. Whether we voted against it last Friday, or in favour of it today, our vote has been based on our consistent position.”

Zhang continued:

“After repeated vetoes of Council actions, the United States finally decided to stop obstructing the Council’s demand for an immediate ceasefire. However, the US still tried to find all kinds of excuses to make accusations against China. The eyes of the international community are discerning. The accusations by the US are untenable. On the contrary, it’s because of China and other countries concerned upholding principles and justice, that we forced the US to realise that it cannot, and is unable to continue to obstruct the efforts of the Council to take the decisive step in the right direction. In the end, justice prevails.”

Predictably, Israel, shielded by the US and other imperialist powers, has ignored the resolution and continued with its genocidal war of aggression, whilst the United States has speciously claimed that the resolution is non-binding. Anticipating this, Zhang declared:

“Nearly six months after the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, over 32,000 innocent civilians have lost their lives. For the lives that have already perished, the Council resolution today comes too late. But for the millions of people in Gaza who remain mired in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, this resolution, if fully and effectively implemented, could still bring long-awaited hope. Security Council resolutions are binding. We call on the parties concerned to fulfil their obligations under the United Nations Charter and to take due action as required by the resolution. We expect the state with significant influence to play a positive role on the party concerned, including by using all necessary and effective means at their disposal to support the implementation of the resolution.

“To this end, all harm against civilians must cease immediately, and the offensive against Gaza must be stopped at once. A ceasefire during the month of Ramadan is only the first step that must serve as a basis leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire and the early return of the people of Gaza who are forced to flee their homes.”

And stressing the urgent need to get humanitarian relief supplies to the Palestinian people in Gaza, he added: “We categorically reject Israel’s recent vicious campaign of attacks against UNRWA [The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] and the United Nations system as a whole.”

He pointedly concluded: “The Security Council must continue to follow closely the situation in Gaza and get ready for further actions when necessary to ensure the timely and full implementation of the resolution.”

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the UN and by the Palestine Chronicle.

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Zhang Jun on the UN Security Council Resolution on the Gaza Ceasefire

Mr. President,

China voted in favor of the draft resolution that has just been put to the vote. We thank Algeria, Mozambique, and other elected Council members for their efforts.

Last Friday, the Security Council voted on the other draft resolution proposed by the United States on the situation in Gaza. China together with Algeria and Russia voted against it. A comparison of the two drafts shows the differences. The current draft is unequivocal and correct in its direction, demanding an immediate ceasefire, while the previous one has been evasive and ambiguous. The current draft demands an unconditional ceasefire, while the previous one has set preconditions for a ceasefire. The current draft reflects the general expectations of the international community and enjoys the collective support of the Arab states, while the previous one has been jointly rejected by the Arab states. The differences between the two drafts boil down to nothing but whether there should be an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and whether the collective punishment of the people in Gaza should be allowed to continue. On this issue, China, like most members of the international community, has been very clear from the very outset. Whether we voted against it last Friday, or in favor of it today, our vote has been based on our consistent position and proposition.

After repeated vetoes of Council actions, the United States finally decided to stop obstructing the Council’s demand for an immediate ceasefire. However, the US still tried to find all kinds of excuses to make accusations against China. The eyes of the international community are discerning. The accusations by the US are untenable. On the contrary, it’s because of China and other countries concerned upholding principles and justice, that we forced the US to realize that it cannot, and is unable to continue to obstruct the efforts of the Council to take the decisive step in the right direction. In the end, justice prevails.

Continue reading UN Resolution in Gaza is binding – China challenges US at Security Council

Zhang Jun: The US resolution on Gaza dodges the most essential issue – a ceasefire

A resolution presented by the United States to the UN Security Council, which failed to clearly mandate a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict – while disingenuously and dishonestly claiming the contrary – was vetoed by China and Russia on March 22. Algeria also voted against and Guyana abstained. 

The Financial Times reported: “Moscow’s and Beijing’s decision to veto the resolution on Friday exposed how the US’s diplomatic travails extend to the UN, where it traditionally uses its Security Council veto rights to protect Israel…The US language contrasted with calls by countries such as Russia and China for an immediate ceasefire.”

US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who has vetoed three resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire, most recently on February 20, pathetically claimed that China and Russia were “being petty” and “simply did not want to vote for a resolution that was penned by the United States, because it (sic) would rather see us fail than to see this Council succeed.”

Following the vote, China’s UN Ambassador Zhang Jun presented an explanation, stating:

“More than 160 days have passed since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict. In the face of a human tragedy in which more than 32,000 innocent civilians have lost their lives and millions are suffering from famine, the most urgent action to be taken by the Council is to promote an immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire.”

However:

“The United States has always evaded and dodged the most essential issue, that is, a ceasefire. The final text remains ambiguous and does not call for an immediate ceasefire. Nor does it even provide an answer to the question of realising a ceasefire in the short term. This is a clear deviation from the consensus of the Council members and falls far short of the expectations of the international community. An immediate ceasefire is a fundamental prerequisite for saving lives, expanding humanitarian access, and preventing greater conflicts. The US draft, on the contrary, sets up preconditions for a ceasefire, which is no different from giving a green light to continued killings, and thus unacceptable. 

“The draft is also very unbalanced in many other aspects, in particular, with regard to Israel’s recent and repeated declarations of plans for a military offensive on Rafah. The draft does not clearly and unequivocally state its opposition, which would send an utterly wrong signal and lead to severe consequences. 

“Any action taken by the Security Council should stand the test of history and the scrutiny of morality and conscience. With a view to safeguarding fairness and justice, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and the dignity of the Council, and also based on the concerns and strong opposition from the Arab states regarding this draft resolution, China together with Algeria and Russia have voted against the draft resolution…

“China rejects the accusations by the US and the UK against China’s voting position. Those are groundless accusations. If the US was serious about a ceasefire, it wouldn’t have vetoed time and again multiple Council resolutions and wouldn’t have taken such a detour and played a game of words while being ambiguous and evasive on critical issues. If the US is serious about a ceasefire, then please vote in favour of the other draft resolution clearly calling for a ceasefire, so that a ceasefire can be finally and immediately achieved, the Palestinians’ sufferings ended, and hostages released at an early date. For the US at the current stage, what is most important is not words, but actions.”

A circular email from Britain’s Stop the War Coalition in the immediate aftermath of the vote highlighted the positions of China and Russia and continued:

“The resolution merely ‘urged’ against the invasion of Rafah, and the document set preconditions for a ceasefire which, according to its detractors, would lead to the ‘destruction, devastation or expulsion’ of Palestinians in Gaza.

“The US resolution was clearly a calculated political move from Joe Biden in view of November’s presidential election. The lives of Palestinians mean nothing to him or those in charge of western governments. If they did, this call for a ceasefire would have happened in October.

“It is sickening that as the UN debates, Israel continues its genocide unabated and a human-made famine takes hold of Gaza. We must continue to demand a comprehensive, immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to all arms sales to Israel.”

The following is the full text of the statement by Ambassador Zhang Jun. It was originally published on the website of China’s mission to the United Nations.

Mr. President, 

China voted against the draft resolution that has just been put to the vote. And I would like to explain China’s voting position and relevant considerations as follows.

More than 160 days have passed since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict. In the face of a human tragedy in which more than 32,000 innocent civilians have lost their lives and millions are suffering from famine, the most urgent action to be taken by the Council is to promote an immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire. This is the universal call of the international community, the decision taken by the emergency special session of the General Assembly a few months ago, and the solemn appeal by the Secretary-General of the UN to the Council while invoking Article 99 of the Charter. The Council has dragged its feet and wasted too much time in this regard. 

We all recall that the US introduced its own draft resolution after vetoing on February 20 the overwhelming consensus among Council members on an immediate ceasefire. Over the past month, the draft has undergone several iterations and contains elements that respond to the concerns of the international community. But it has always evaded and dodged the most essential issue, that is, a ceasefire. The final text remains ambiguous and does not call for an immediate ceasefire. Nor does it even provide an answer to the question of realizing a ceasefire in the short term. This is a clear deviation from the consensus of the Council members and falls far short of the expectations of the international community. An immediate ceasefire is a fundamental prerequisite for saving lives, expanding humanitarian access, and preventing greater conflicts. The US draft, on the contrary, sets up preconditions for a ceasefire, which is no different from giving a green light to continued killings, and thus unacceptable. 

The draft is also very unbalanced in many other aspects, in particular, with regard to Israel’s recent and repeated declarations of plan for a military offensive on Rafah, the draft does not clearly and unequivocally state its opposition, which would send an utterly wrong signal and lead to severe consequences. 

Any action taken by the Security Council should stand the test of history and the scrutiny of morality and conscience. With a view to safeguarding fairness and justice, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and the dignity of the Council, and also based on the concerns and strong opposition from the Arab states regarding this draft resolution, China together with Algeria and Russia have voted against the draft resolution. 

Mr. President, 

Members of the Council have now before them another draft resolution that was the result of collective consultations among elected members of the Council. This draft is clear on the issue of a ceasefire, in line with the correct direction of the Council’s action, and of great relevance. China supports this draft. We hope that the members of the Council will reach agreement on this basis as soon as possible and send a clear signal calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the fighting. 

Like other members, China has from the outset called for the immediate release of all hostages, a repeated demand in Security Council Resolutions 2712 and 2720. We welcome the mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and others to this end. And we hope that all detainees will be released at an early date. 

China rejects the accusations by the US and the UK against China’s voting position. Those are groundless accusations. If the US was serious about a ceasefire, it wouldn’t have vetoed time and again multiple Council resolutions, and wouldn’t have taken such a detour and played a game of words while being ambiguous and evasive on critical issues. If the US is serious about a ceasefire, then please vote in favor of the other draft resolution clearly calling for a ceasefire, so that a ceasefire can be finally and immediately achieved, the Palestinians’ sufferings ended, and hostages released at an early date. For the US at the current stage, what is most important is not words, but actions. 

China will continue to work with Council members and the international community to play a responsible and constructive role in order to achieve a ceasefire and put an end to the fighting, alleviate the suffering, implement the two-State solution, and promote a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the question of Palestine. 

Thank you, Mr. President.

Hamas, China representatives Meet in Qatar – Haniyeh praises Beijing’s position on Gaza war

According to a statement on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, on March 17, its envoy, Ambassador Wang Kejian met with Ismail Haniyeh, Politburo Chairman of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, during Wang’s visit to Qatar, where they exchanged views on the Gaza conflict and other issues.

The Palestine Chronicle further reports that:

“According to a statement released by Hamas, Haniyeh ‘emphasised the necessity of quickly stopping the (Israeli) aggression and massacres (in Gaza), the withdrawal of the occupation army, the return of the displaced, providing shelter and (the) reconstruction (of the Strip).’

“Haniyeh also reportedly ‘praised the role that China plays in the Security Council, the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and in sending humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.’

“For his part, Beijing’s envoy ‘affirmed the close and historical relationship between the Palestinian and Chinese peoples and China’s firm positions towards the Palestinian cause and its support for the just demands of the Palestinian people for freedom, independence, and the establishment of a state.’

“Wang Kejian also ‘emphasised the necessity of stopping this war and ending the killing that the Palestinians are subjected to and providing for their humanitarian needs.’”

The Jerusalem Post further reported that: “[Wang] Keijan visited Israel and the Palestinian Authority last week, meeting with diplomats and discussing the war in Gaza… Additionally, according to Hamas, [Wang] Keijan stressed to Haniyeh that ‘the Hamas movement is part of the Palestinian national fabric and China is keen on relations with it.’”

The following article was originally published by the Palestine Chronicle.

A Chinese foreign ministry envoy met with Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas, Beijing’s foreign ministry confirmed in a statement on Tuesday. 

In the brief statement, the Chinese ministry said that Chinese Ambassador Wang Kejian met Haniyeh in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday, and that the two “exchanged views on the Gaza conflict and other issues”.

According to a statement released by Hamas, Haniyeh “emphasized the necessity of quickly stopping the (Israeli) aggression and massacres (in Gaza), the withdrawal of the occupation army, the return of the displaced, providing shelter and (the) reconstruction (of the Strip).”

Haniyeh also reportedly “praised the role that China plays in the Security Council, the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and in sending humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.”

For his part, Beijing’s envoy “affirmed the close and historical relationship between the Palestinian and Chinese peoples and China’s firm positions towards the Palestinian cause and its support for the just demands of the Palestinian people for freedom, independence, and the establishment of a state.”

Wang Kejian also “emphasized the necessity of stopping this war and ending the killing that the Palestinians are subjected to and providing for their humanitarian needs.”

This is reportedly the first such meeting between Hamas and China since the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza, following the military operation carried out on October 7 by Hamas and other Palestinian Resistance groups in southern Israel. 

Right to Armed Struggle

Unlike Washington, which gave total backing to Israel to continue with its war on Gaza, thus refusing international calls for ceasefire, the Chinese position called for the respect of international law. 

Beijing’s position went further by openly supporting the Palestinian people’s right to the use of armed struggle to achieve national liberation. 

Addressing the International Court of Justice on February 22, the Chinese representative said the Palestinians’ use of armed struggle to gain independence from foreign and colonial rule is “legitimate” and “well-founded” in international law.

“In pursuit of the right to self-determination, Palestinian people’s use of force to resist foreign oppression and complete the establishment of an independent state is (an) inalienable right well founded in international law,” Ma Xinmin told the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Citing resolutions by the UN General Assembly, Beijing’s envoy to the top world court said that people struggling for self-determination could use “all available means, including armed struggle.”

“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,” Ma stated in his address to the ICJ, citing international conventions.

Gaza Genocide

Currently on trial before the International Court of Justice for genocide against Palestinians, Israel has been waging a devastating war on Gaza since October 7. 

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 31,819 Palestinians have been killed, and 73,934 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7.

Moreover, at least 7,000 people are unaccounted for, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes throughout the Strip.

Palestinian and international organizations say that the majority of those killed and wounded are women and children.

The Israeli aggression has also resulted in the forceful displacement of nearly two million people from all over the Gaza Strip, with the vast majority of the displaced forced into the densely crowded southern city of Rafah near the border with Egypt – in what has become Palestine’s largest mass exodus since the 1948 Nakba. 

Israel says that 1,200 soldiers and civilians were killed during the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation on October 7. Israeli media published reports suggesting that many Israelis were killed on that day by ‘friendly fire.’

China: Palestine has right to armed struggle

In the following article, which was originally published in Workers World, John Catalinotto welcomes the presentation made by senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official Ma Xinmin to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, Holland, on February 22, affirming that the Palestinian people have the right in international law to engage in armed struggle. 

He writes that this bold statement “illustrates the worldwide shift in popular support for Palestine and the growing mass anger against the Israeli occupation state and its imperialist enablers,” adding that it, “not only reflects the strength of a massive worldwide movement, it adds to that strength… Even if China’s actions were limited to diplomatic support, the Palestinian position would be strengthened. But the Chinese government has also announced plans to send its third shipment of material aid to Gaza.”

John notes that while the US corporate media constantly attacks on China on a wide range of issues, it had avoided even negative commentary on this statement and concludes:

“China’s positions hold authority with many anti-imperialist and pro-socialist activists and organisations worldwide. Should this statement be publicised it can help build solidarity of communist and workers’ organisations in the imperialist countries with the organisations of different ideologies who are leading the struggle for self-determination in Palestine and in all of West Asia.

“China’s leaders have aided the peoples’ struggles worldwide by taking this bold position in solidarity with the Palestinian resistance.”

Senior Chinese official Ma Xinmin made a powerful statement Feb. 22 before the International Court of Justice that Palestinians have the right to engage in armed struggle, because they live under an illegal Israeli occupation.

Ma, who is director general of the department of treaty and law at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the 15-judge panel in The Hague, Netherlands, that armed struggle differed from terrorism. “In pursuit of the right to self-determination,” said Ma, “Palestinian people’s use of force to resist foreign oppression and complete the establishment of an independent state is an inalienable right well founded in international law.” (Palestine Chronicle, Feb. 22)

Ma’s statement marked a break with China’s policy prior to Oct. 7, 2023, of normalizing economic and diplomatic ties with Israel. China’s latest statement confronted the U.S.-European Union policy of supporting Israel with military, diplomatic and economic assistance.

While avoiding any military provocation, the Chinese government and Communist Party have consistently defended Chinese sovereignty and Chinese national interests against any challenge from U.S. imperialism and its allies. Ma’s statement extends that defense in the diplomatic arena to the right of the Palestinian people to fight for self-determination.

Reflects mass worldwide support for Palestine

That China’s policy makers would make such a bold challenge illustrates the worldwide shift in popular support for Palestine and the growing mass anger against the Israeli occupation state and its imperialist enablers. It indicates that political leaders are well-aware that hundreds of millions of people around the world are pressuring political actors regarding what position they are taking to stop the genocide in Gaza.

The massive international solidarity with Palestine emboldens those in leadership or vital positions to take steps to stop the massacre of Palestinian civilians, stop the slaughter of children, stop killings that much of the world sees as genocide.

Now a representative of People’s China has said that international law is on the side of the Palestinians. That Palestine has a legitimate fight for self-determination. That Palestinians have the right to wage armed struggle.

“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,” Ma said. (Palestine Chronicle, Feb. 22)

The Chinese statement not only reflects the strength of a massive worldwide movement, it adds to that strength. After all, as much production takes place in China as the next nine countries combined — including the U.S., Germany, Japan, Britain and India. That’s according to the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) in Europe.

Even if China’s actions were limited to diplomatic support, the Palestinian position would be strengthened. But the Chinese government has also announced plans to send its third shipment of material aid to Gaza.

Through much of 2023, it seemed the U.S. corporate media, including establishment media like The New York Times, went out of their way to attack some aspects of life in People’s China or policies of the Chinese Communist Party. Strangely enough, there has been no or little coverage of Ma’s statement to the court, not even an attack, as of Feb. 26.

Media based in the Middle East and South Asia, on the contrary, gave Ma’s statement full coverage.

China’s positions hold authority with many anti-imperialist and pro-socialist activists and organizations worldwide. Should this statement be publicized it can help build solidarity of communist and workers’ organizations in the imperialist countries with the organizations of different ideologies who are leading the struggle for self-determination in Palestine and in all of West Asia.

China’s leaders have aided the peoples’ struggles worldwide by taking this bold position in solidarity with the Palestinian resistance.

China: The Palestinian people’s use of force to resist foreign oppression is an inalienable right

We previously reported on the important statement made by Ma Xinmin, Legal Adviser to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, to the public sitting of the International Court of Justice at The Hague, Holland, on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, on February 22, 2024.

We now reprint the verbatim record of Ma’s statement, which deals with a number of key aspects of this question, strictly within the parameters of international law and in a comprehensive and forensic manner.

Ma begins by stating that:

“Dealing with the question of Palestine serves as a litmus test for the collective conscience of humanity, the wisdom of the United Nations and the authority of international law. The question of Palestine has persisted for over half a century, inflicting sufferings across generations. Countless Palestinians have been waiting in vain their entire lives, yet there remains no glimmer of hope in their efforts to restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

“China has consistently supported the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate rights. Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed on multiple occasions that China calls for a comprehensive ceasefire and an early solution to the question of Palestine on the basis of the two-State solution through negotiation.”

Ma then proceeds to address the question as to whether the court, which was asked to give an advisory opinion by the United Nations General Assembly, has the relevant jurisdiction. He states: “The question of Palestine, with its origin in the mandate system under the League of Nations, goes beyond the scope of bilateral affairs between Palestine and Israel. It directly relates to the responsibility of the United Nations on international peace and security. The United Nations has a ‘permanent responsibility’ toward the question of Palestine.”

He then goes into detail regarding how Israel has been violating the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination:

“The Palestinian-Israeli conflict stems from Israel’s prolonged occupation of Palestinian territory and Israel’s long-standing oppression of the Palestinian people. The Palestinian people’s fight against Israeli oppression and their struggle for completing the establishment of an independent State on the occupied territories are, essentially, just actions for restoring their legitimate rights. The right to self-determination serves as the precise legal foundation for their struggle.

“Self-determination of peoples is a fundamental principle of modern international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter and a collective human right under customary international law. In 1955, during the Bandung Conference, the Chinese Premier and Foreign Minister, Zhou Enlai, solemnly declared ‘full support of the principle of self-determination of peoples and nations as set forth in the [UN] Charter’ and ‘took note of the [UN] resolutions on the rights of peoples and nations to self-determination, which is a prerequisite of the full enjoyment of all fundamental Human Rights’ This declaration was fully incorporated into the Final Communiqué of the Bandung Conference.”

On this basis:

“The Palestinian people enjoy the right to self-determination, which includes five main aspects: first, the right to preserve territorial integrity; second, the right to maintain national unity, that is, the Palestinian people, in its group identity, collectively enjoys and exercises the right to self-determination; third, the right to freely determine their political status; fourth, the right to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development; fifth, the right to permanent sovereignty over natural wealth and resources.

“Every State is obliged to promote the realisation of the right to self-determination and to refrain from any forcible action which deprives peoples of that right. In their pursuit of the right to self-determination, these peoples have the right to engage in struggles, seek and receive support. On the basis of that right, the Palestinian people declared the establishment of the State of Palestine in 1988, which has been recognised by over 130 countries.

“In pursuit of the right to self-determination, the Palestinian people’s use of force to resist foreign oppression and to complete the establishment of an independent State is an inalienable right well founded in international law. Various peoples freed themselves from colonial rule and foreign oppression to realise independent statehood after World War II. Their practices serve as convincing evidence for this right. Numerous UNGA [United Nations General Assembly] resolutions recognise the legitimacy of struggling by all available means, including armed struggle, by peoples under colonial domination or foreign occupation to realise the right to self-determination. For instance, the UNGA resolution 3070 of 1973 ‘reaffirms the legitimacy of the people’s struggle for liberation from colonial and foreign domination and alien subjugation by all available means, including armed struggle’.”

This, Ma insists, should not be confused with terrorism: “Armed struggle in this context is distinguished from acts of terrorism. It is grounded in international law. This distinction is acknowledged by several international conventions. For example, Article 3 of the Organisation of African Unity Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism of 1999 provides that ‘the struggle waged by peoples in accordance with the principles of international law for their liberation or self-determination, including armed struggle against colonialism, occupation, aggression and domination by foreign forces shall not be considered as terrorist acts’.”

He then moves on to issues of international law relating to the occupation:

“In China’s view, the question of the Occupied Palestinian Territory involves both the legality of the occupation per se and the legality of Israel’s acts during the occupation. These two aspects are governed by distinct legal frameworks…

“The principle of non-use of force is at the core of jus ad bellum [the conditions under which States may resort to war or to the use of armed force in general]. As a corollary of this principle, the prohibition on the acquisition of territory by force is firmly established in customary international law. Using force to occupy and maintain such occupation for the purposes of territorial acquisition or annexing an occupied territory by force in whole or in part, is each illegal…

“Israel’s occupation has been explicitly recognised as unlawful by several United Nations resolutions…

“China is of the view that the temporary and non-sovereign nature of belligerent occupation means that an occupying Power cannot acquire sovereignty over the territory during the belligerency. Belligerent occupation, under any circumstances, does not have the effect of lawful annexation…

“Fifty-seven years have passed since Israel began its occupation of the Palestinian territory. Regardless of the duration of the occupation, the unlawful nature of the occupation and the sovereignty over the occupied territories remain unchanged.”

These points have particular bearing on the question of East Jerusalem (as well as of Syria’s Golan Heights) as well as the illegal settlements in the Occupied Territories.

Concluding, Ma stated that “justice has been long delayed, but it must not be denied.”

China’s position was welcomed by the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas. According to the Jerusalem Post, its politburo member in charge of international relations Osama Hamdan said in a statement:

“We also appreciate the position expressed by the People’s Republic of China, and its emphasis on the legality of the occupied peoples’ pursuit of self-determination, by various means, including armed resistance, and the necessity not to confuse terrorism with the armed struggle practiced by the Palestinian people against the Zionist occupation.”

The below text was originally published by the International Court of Justice. Ma Xinmin’s statement can also be viewed on UN Web TV.

Continue reading China: The Palestinian people’s use of force to resist foreign oppression is an inalienable right

‘Disgrace to Civilisation’ – China reiterates call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

In his March 6 press conference, held in the margins of the annual session of China’s main parliamentary body, the National People’s Congress, Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the ongoing genocidal assault on the Palestinian people in Gaza as a “tragedy for humanity and disgrace for civilisation.”

“Nothing justifies the protraction of the conflict or the killing of the civilian population,” he added.

Wang Yi also affirmed his country’s strong support for the “just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights.”

He stressed that China “will continue to work with the international community to restore peace, save lives, and uphold justice”, adding that China supports “Palestine’s bid to become a full member state of the United Nations.”

Reporting this latest statement, the Palestine Chronicle also referred to other recent expressions of China’s support for the Palestinian cause, namely its criticism of the US vetoing (for the third time) of a ceasefire resolution in the United Nations Security Council and its presentation to the International Court of Justice affirming the right in international law for the Palestinian people to engage in armed resistance.

The following article was originally published by the Palestine Chronicle.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip as a “disgrace to civilization,” reiterating his country’s call for an “immediate ceasefire” and affirming its support for full membership of Palestine in the United Nations.

During a press conference on the sidelines of the second session of the National Council in Beijing on Wednesday, the Chinese minister said that “the failure to end this humanitarian disaster today, in the 21st century, is a tragedy for humanity and disgrace for civilization,”

“Nothing justifies the protraction of the conflict or the killing of the civilian population,” he added.

Wang Yi also affirmed his country’s strong support for the “just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights”.

He stressed that China “will continue to work with the international community to restore peace, save lives, and uphold justice” adding that China supports “Palestine’s bid to become a full member state of the United Nations.”

Right to Armed Struggle

On February 21, China sharply criticized the United States for vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Beijing said the move effectively gave a “green light to the continued slaughter” of Palestinians.

One day later, addressing the International Court of Justice, the Chinese representative said the Palestinians’ use of armed struggle to gain independence from foreign and colonial rule is “legitimate” and “well-founded” in international law.

“In pursuit of the right to self-determination, Palestinian people’s use of force to resist foreign oppression and complete the establishment of an independent state is (an) inalienable right well founded in international law,” Ma Xinmin told the ICJ in The Hague.

Citing resolutions by the UN General Assembly, Beijing’s envoy to the top world court said that people struggling for self-determination could use “all available means, including armed struggle.”

“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,” Ma stated in his address to the ICJ, citing international conventions.

Genocide Continues

Currently on trial before the International Court of Justice for genocide against Palestinians, Israel has been waging a devastating war on Gaza since October 7. 

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 30,800 Palestinians have been killed, and 72,298 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7.

Moreover, at least 7,000 people are unaccounted for, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes throughout the Strip. 

Palestinian and international organizations say that the majority of those killed and wounded are women and children.

The Israeli aggression has also resulted in the forceful displacement of nearly two million people from all over the Gaza Strip, with the vast majority of the displaced forced into the densely crowded southern city of Rafah near the border with Egypt – in what has become Palestine’s largest mass exodus since the 1948 Nakba.

Israel says that 1,200 soldiers and civilians were killed during the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation on October 7. Israeli media published reports suggesting that many Israelis were killed on that day by ‘friendly fire.’

China reiterates its solidarity with Syria

The following is the full text of the remarks made by senior Chinese diplomat Dai Bing to the United Nations Security Council briefing on Syria held on February 27th, 2024.

Dai puts forward three points, calling first for containing the spillover effects of the war in Gaza to Syria, noting that, “over the past four months, Israel has continued to launch airstrikes on various locations in Syria through the occupied Golan Heights, about which China is deeply concerned.”

Second, he says that a political solution to the Syrian issue must be promoted. “The international community should uphold the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned principle, encourage dialogue and consultations, and find a solution acceptable to all parties… We support the Syrian government in taking necessary measures to combat terrorism, maintain security and stability, and eliminate the long-term threats to the political process in Syria. The international community must combat all terrorism in Syria with zero tolerance.”

Third, there is a need to work together to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Syria. “Unilateral sanctions and the plundering of resources have long impeded Syria’s economic recovery, social development, and improvement of people’s livelihood, thereby exacerbating the humanitarian disaster in Syria. We urge the countries concerned to immediately end their unlawful acts and foreign forces to immediately end their illegal military presence in Syria.”

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

Madam President,

I would like to thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths for their briefings. In light of their briefings, I would like to make the following three points. 

First, containing the spillover effects of the escalation of the Gaza conflict on Syria. Over the past four months, Israel has continued to launch airstrikes on various locations in Syria through the occupied Golan Heights, about which China is deeply concerned. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid exacerbating tensions. Countries outside the region should play a constructive role in deescalating the situation and preventing the conflict from spreading and expanding.

Second, promoting a political solution to the Syrian issue. China welcomes the successful convening of the 21st round of High-Level Meetings on Syria within the framework of the Astana format as well as Special Envoy Pedersen’s extensive engagement with all parties on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The international community should uphold the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned principle, encourage dialogue and consultations, and find a solution acceptable to all parties. We believe help from regional countries will inject new momentum into the political settlement of the Syrian issue. We support the Syrian Government in taking necessary measures to combat terrorism, maintain security and stability, and eliminate the long-term threats to the political process in Syria. The international community must combat all terrorism in Syria with zero tolerance. 

Third, working together to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Over the past year, the UN and the Syrian Government have maintained effective and smooth communication and cross-border points have been extended several times. We urge the parties concerned to show sincerity and make positive progress in cross-line operations. As humanitarian funding for Syria has long been insufficient, the international community should increase its input in humanitarian assistance to Syria and support humanitarian operations and early recovery projects throughout the country. Unilateral sanctions and the plundering of resources have long impeded Syria’s economic recovery, social development, and improvement of people’s livelihood, thereby exacerbating the humanitarian disaster in Syria. We urge the countries concerned to immediately end their unlawful acts and foreign forces to immediately end their illegal military presence in Syria.

Thank you, Madam President.

Zhang Jun: Israel must halt its collective punishment of the Palestinian people

The following is the full text of the statement by Zhang Jun, China’s Ambassador to the United Nations, at a UN Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, held on February 22, 2024, in which he forcefully addresses the dire humanitarian situation facing the people of Gaza as a result of Israel’s genocidal war. 

Ambassador Zhang notes that the veto cast by the United States two days previously meant that the council had missed yet another opportunity to push for a ceasefire in Gaza: “The continuation of the conflict even for another day would cause even more civilian casualties and lead to a greater catastrophe…

“We need to point out that the essence of any action of this Council is to achieve an immediate ceasefire. Any message sent out via our action must be clear, unequivocal, unambiguous, and unmistakable, rather than prevaricate or beat about the bush… The military offensive into Rafah must cease immediately. Over 1.5 million Gazans are packed into Rafah having nowhere else to go. Escalated Israeli military incursions into Rafah will result in unthinkable civilian casualties and humanitarian disasters and cause irreparable damage to regional peace. We strongly oppose such actions. Israel should immediately cancel its plan to attack Rafah and halt its collective punishment of the Palestinian people. The International Court of Justice requires that the provisional measures issued to prevent genocide be effectively implemented without delay.”

Endorsing the testimony of the Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Zhang said that, “Gaza is becoming a death zone. Millions of people in Gaza lack the basic necessities for survival and are languishing in hunger, in disease, and in despair. Meanwhile, humanitarian relief is hampered by man-made barriers, so much so that it is becoming unsustainable… Israel must take concrete action to open all land, sea, and air routes into Gaza, provide all that is required by humanitarian agencies for their relief operations, and ensure the safety and security of the staff and facilities of humanitarian agencies.”

Turning to the national rights of the Palestinian people, Zhang said: “Independent Palestinian statehood is not a gift given by one party to another in charity, but an inalienable right of the Palestinian people as a nation… The historical wrongs suffered by Palestine must be righted. Palestine’s long aspiration for independent statehood must be fulfilled.”

The below article first appeared on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Editor’s Note: Christopher Lockyear, to whom Ambassador Zhang refers at the start of his remarks, is the Secretary General of the NGO Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).

Zhang Jun at the UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question

Madam President, 

I thank the two briefers for their briefings. We were left appalled by Mr. Christopher Lockyear’s briefing. We hope the tragic picture in Gaza that he painted for us can touch the conscience of a certain member of this Council.

The veto by the United States two days ago meant that the Council missed yet another opportunity to push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The continuation of the conflict even for another day would cause even more civilian casualties and lead to a greater catastrophe. An immediate ceasefire in Gaza is an urgent imperative to save innocent lives and to prevent a wider war. An immediate ceasefire is the common wish voiced by the international community and the consensus of the Council’s overwhelming majority. We are aware that the United States has tabled a new draft resolution. We hope the US will show a responsible attitude, respond positively to the international voice, and respect the established consensus among Council members. 

We need to point out that the essence of any action of this Council is to achieve an immediate ceasefire. Any message sent out via our action must be clear, unequivocal, unambiguous, and unmistakable, rather than prevaricate or beat about the bush. At this point, the Council needs to demonstrate a strong resolve rather than negotiating skills only.

Madam President, 

More than four months have passed since the conflict in Gaza began. It is the bounden duty of this Council to slam on the brakes to head off a greater calamity. 

The military offensive into Rafah must cease immediately. Over 1.5 million Gazans are packed into Rafah having nowhere else to go. Escalated Israeli military incursions into Rafah will result in unthinkable civilian casualties and humanitarian disasters and cause irreparable damage to regional peace. We strongly oppose such actions. Israel should immediately cancel its plan to attack Rafah and halt its collective punishment of the Palestinian people. The International Court of Justice requires that the provisional measures issued to prevent genocide be effectively implemented without delay. 

It is imperative to ensure sufficient unimpeded humanitarian deliveries into Gaza. As said by the Director General of WHO, Gaza is becoming a death zone. Millions of people in Gaza lack the basic necessities for survival and are languishing in hunger, in disease, and in despair. Meanwhile, humanitarian relief is hampered by man-made barriers, so much so that it is becoming unsustainable. The WFP announced that it had been forced to suspend its assistance to Northern Gaza because of security threats. Right now, Security Council Resolutions 2712 and 2720 must be fully implemented. Israel must take concrete action to open all land, sea, and air routes into Gaza, provide all that is required by humanitarian agencies for their relief operations, and ensure the safety and security of the staff and facilities of humanitarian agencies. UNRWA plays a vital role that is indispensable and irreplaceable in alleviating the humanitarian plight in Gaza. We call on the donors concerned to resume funding to UNRWA as soon as possible out of humanitarian considerations to keep the lifeline for the people of Gaza alive. All parties should give their full support to the work of Sigrid Kaag, UN senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza. 

Every effort must be made to prevent the conflict from spilling over to the wider region. Right now, the Middle East is in turmoil. Exchanges of fire between Lebanon and Israel and between Syria and Israel are escalating. Tensions in the Red Sea are continuing. And the specter of the wider war is looming over the Middle East. We call on the parties concerned, especially those with significant influence, to exercise calm and restraint and to refrain from acts that would aggravate the tensions. Parties should endeavor to stop war through peace and break the vicious circle of violence and conflict. 

The political horizon offered by the two-State solution must be given a new lease on life. Independent Palestinian statehood is not a gift given by one party to another in charity, but an inalienable right of the Palestinian people as a nation. We are gravely concerned by the recent repeated public dismissal of the two-State solution by some Israeli politicians and their rejection of any international effort towards independent Palestinian statehood. Gaza is an inalienable part of Palestine, and the two-State solution is the bottom line of international justice and the only viable path towards the settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli issue. China urges Israel to stop without delay eroding the foundation of the two-State solution, halt the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, and cease the searches, arrests, and raids in the West Bank. The historical wrongs suffered by Palestine must be righted. Palestine’s long aspiration for independent statehood must be fulfilled. China supports Palestine in becoming a member of the United Nations as soon as possible and calls for the convening of a larger, more authoritative, and more effective international peace conference to push for a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the question of Palestine. 

Thank you, President.

Chinese envoy urges nations to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza

With the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorating by the day in the face of Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people, a senior Chinese diplomat has again made a powerful call for action to “protect civilians, save lives, and make every effort to prevent an even greater humanitarian disaster.”

Dai Bing, Charge d’Affaires of China’s permanent mission to the United Nations, speaking at the Security Council briefing on the food security risks in Gaza on February 27, said that:

“Millions of people in Gaza are suffering the pain of losing their loved ones or are still unable to find safe shelter after multiple times of forced displacement.

“They lack the most basic safety guarantees and supplies for survival and are constantly faced with the threat of death, hunger, and disease. Even more so, women and children are living in fear and desperation every single day.” 

He added that events in Gaza severely violate international law and international humanitarian law and go beyond the bottom line of human morality and conscience.

“The international community must take actions to protect civilians, save lives, and make every effort to prevent an even greater humanitarian disaster.”

Noting that the Security Council had already adopted two resolutions on protecting civilians and expanding humanitarian access, he continued:

“However, due to man-made obstacles, the entry of humanitarian supplies into Gaza has faced many difficulties. For nearly a month now, the humanitarian supplies received in Gaza have been far below the average of earlier periods, and Northern Gaza has not received any humanitarian supplies.

“We call on Israel to earnestly fulfill its obligations as the occupying power under the Geneva Convention, fully cooperate in the implementation of Security Council resolutions, open up all land, sea, and air access routes, and ensure the safe, rapid, and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies.”

He underscored that the International Court of Justice had ordered provisional measures that require Israel to take all measures to prevent genocide and provide the population in Gaza with urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. “The order of provisional measures must be effectively implemented.”

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

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) — A Chinese envoy urged the global community to take action to avert a more severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“The international community must take actions to protect civilians, save lives, and make every effort to prevent an even greater humanitarian disaster,” Dai Bing, charge d’affaires of China’s permanent mission to the United Nations, said Tuesday at the UN Security Council briefing on the food security risks in Gaza.

Dai said Gaza has sunk into an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe since the conflict’s outbreak over four months ago, with nearly 30,000 civilians having lost their lives. “Millions of people in Gaza are suffering the pain of losing their loved ones or still unable to find safe shelter after multiple times of forced displacement.”

“They lack the most basic safety guarantees and supplies for survival and are constantly faced with the threat of death, hunger, and disease. Even more so, women and children are living in fear and desperation every single day,” he said.

He said events in Gaza severely violate international law and international humanitarian law and go beyond the bottom line of human morality and conscience.

“The international community must take actions to protect civilians, save lives, and make every effort to prevent an even greater humanitarian disaster,” said Dai.

The envoy stressed that humanitarian assistance is what the people in Gaza rely on for hope of survival.

“With the focus on protecting civilians and expanding humanitarian access, the council has adopted Resolutions 2712 and 2720.”

“However, due to man-made obstacles, the entry of humanitarian supplies into Gaza has faced many difficulties. For nearly a month now, the humanitarian supplies received in Gaza have been far below the average of earlier periods, and Northern Gaza has not received any humanitarian supplies,” the envoy added.

“We call on Israel to earnestly fulfill its obligations as the occupying power under the Geneva Convention, fully cooperate in the implementation of Security Council resolutions, open up all land, sea, and air access routes, and ensure the safe, rapid, and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies,” Dai said.

Dai pointed out that Israel should strictly comply with the requirements of deconfliction, effectively guarantee the safety of humanitarian agencies and personnel and provide necessary facilitation for humanitarian agencies to carry out assistance in Gaza.

He underscored that the International Court of Justice ordered provisional measures that require Israel to take all measures to prevent genocide and provide the population in Gaza with urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. “The order of provisional measures must be effectively implemented.”

Noting that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is the lifeline for the people in Gaza, the envoy said that “its role is indispensable and irreplaceable. We support the UN in conducting an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations against UNRWA staff. Israel should support and cooperate with the UN in the investigation.”

Dai said that the international community should continue to support UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies in their work.

“We call upon the international community, and in particular, the major donors, to promptly resume their funding for UNRWA.”

Dai quoted UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as saying that with Gaza under gunfire, conditions are impossible for the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The envoy stressed that an immediate ceasefire is necessary to protect civilians, deliver assistance and alleviate the humanitarian disaster.

“This is currently the overwhelming call of the international community and the overwhelming consensus among Council members.”

“We hope that the relevant country will adopt a responsible and constructive attitude and support the Council in taking action to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” he said.

“China will continue to work with the international community to make tireless efforts to restore peace and save lives, to end the fighting in Gaza, to implement the two-state solution, and to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East,” Dai said. 

Message of greetings on the 55th anniversary of the founding of the DFLP

The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), a Marxist-Leninist party which forms part of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and which plays a full part in the resistance of the Palestinian people against Zionism and imperialism, marked its 55th anniversary on February 22.

In this regard, the Foreign Affairs Department of the DFLP wrote to fraternal and friendly parties and organisations as follows:

On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the founding and launch of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) on February 22, 1969, and in light of the Israeli genocidal crimes committed against the Palestinian people that have continued for more than 75 years, the DFLP continues its struggle and resistance in order to end the Israeli occupation of its lands and establish the independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, the return of refugees to their homes, and self-determination of the Palestinian people.

DFLP has sacrificed a large number of martyrs in the face of the Israeli occupation and its crimes against the Palestinian people, including members of the Central Committee and the Political Bureau, and it is still defending its Marxist-Leninist ideas in order to implement its political program.

Based on the extent of the real suffering and tragedy that the Palestinian people are experiencing in the Gaza Strip, DFLP will suspend its celebrations on the 55th anniversary of its launch, and activities will be limited to support the resistance and struggle of the Palestinian people.

In response, Friends of Socialist China sent the following message to the DFLP:

Please accept our warmest fraternal greetings on the 55th anniversary of the founding of your party. We greet you with particularly intense and heartfelt feelings of solidarity at this time, in particular, when the heroic Palestinian people are facing the sternest of tests and the most arduous of trials in the face of the rabid genocidal onslaught of the Israeli Zionists and their masters and backers among the imperialist powers led by the United States.

Our hearts are broken as we witness the unspeakable cruelty visited upon the Palestinian people, women, and children, the old, the sick and the young, in flagrant violation of the tenets of international law, international humanitarian law in particular, as well as the most basic principles of humanitarianism and human conscience.

This is not a time for celebration. It is a time for resistance. The fighters of the DFLP are standing in their place, defending their people and struggling for liberation, and we salute them.

We know that throughout the last 55 years the comrades of the DFLP have never wavered in their anti-imperialist and socialist struggle. Comrade Mao Zedong observed that the party, the people’s army and the united front were the three magic weapons with which the Chinese people were able to defeat their enemies and win their liberation. The DFLP has also embodied this idea, building its ranks as a Marxist-Leninist party, persisting in armed struggle, and standing for a principled unity among all national Palestinian political forces and institutions.

Faithful to proletarian internationalism, your party has also maintained unity and solidarity with the socialist countries, as well as with revolutionary states, national liberation movements, and communist, workers and left-wing political parties and organisations worldwide. We appreciate the hand of friendship that you have extended to Friends of Socialist China even at this most difficult moment.

The Irish revolutionary martyr Bobby Sands once wrote: “Our revenge will be the laughter of our children.” We stand with you until the trauma etched on the faces of the children of Gaza, the West Bank and the whole of historic Palestine is replaced with smiles and laughter. Until all the children of Palestine can live a happy life and realise their dreams in a free and independent country.

Until then we join with you in saying:

Victory to the Palestinian Resistance!
Revolution until victory!

Once again, dear comrades, please accept our warmest and most comradely greetings.

China affirms Palestinian people’s right to wage armed struggle for liberation

The government of China has made an extremely important statement affirming the right of the Palestinian people to engage in armed struggle for liberation.

Speaking on February 22, on the second day of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)’s hearings on ‘The Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jersusalem’, held at the Hague, Holland, Ma Xinmin, Legal Adviser to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, referring to the results of the ‘Six Day War’ in June 1967, that 57 years have passed since Israel began its occupation and that the unlawful nature of the occupation as well as the sovereignty over the occupied territory remain unchanged. The Palestinians must not be denied justice, he added. “Justice has been long delayed, but it must not be denied.”

In the section of his speech released as a short clip by Al Jazeera, Ma said that the “Palestinian people’s use of force to resist foreign oppression and complete the establishment of an independent state is an inalienable right. This recognition is also [having previously referred to a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly] reflected in international conventions. For example, the Arab Convention for the Suppression of Terrorism of 1998 affirms, ‘the right of peoples to combat foreign occupation and aggression by whatever means, including armed struggle, in order to liberate their territories and secure their right to self-determination and independence.’ Armed struggle in this context is distinguished from acts of terrorism.”

Telesur reported that: “Besides mentioning the United Nations General Assembly’s resolutions related to the Palestinian case, the Chinese ambassador indicated that the armed struggle is usually one of the means to which nations resort when seeking to achieve their self-determination.”

“The 1973 UNGA Resolution 3070 reaffirms the legitimacy of the people’s struggle for liberation from colonial and foreign domination and alien subjugation by all available means, including armed struggle,” he stressed.

The Palestine Chronicle described the Chinese statement as the strongest made in the day’s proceedings.

It quoted Ma as saying 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.” 

In a separate article, The Palestine Chronicle reports that, “Ma also noted that the conflict stems ‘from Israel’s prolonged occupation of Palestinian territory and Israel’s longstanding oppression of the Palestinian people.’

Therefore, according to the Chinese representative, “‘the Palestinian peoples’ fight against Israeli oppression and their struggle for completing the establishment of an independent state under occupied territory are essentially just actions.’”