electra-supply.comOn October 14, 2024, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and the Foreign Minister, spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen upon request.
Cohen shared Israel’s perspective and concerns regarding the regional situation. In response, Wang expressed that the ongoing escalation of conflict in the Middle East is a source of deep worry for the international community. He emphasized that the immediate priority must be to achieve a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, release all hostages, and ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid access to the region. He stated that every life, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, is equally valuable and that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza must not continue. Violence cannot effectively address the legitimate concerns of all parties involved. Wang reiterated that the conflict in Gaza underscores the fact that the Palestinian issue remains at the heart of the Middle Eastern crisis. He noted that the international community’s message is clear: there is a strong desire to return to a political resolution based on the “two-state solution,” ultimately leading to peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine and harmonious relations between Jewish and Arab peoples. This, he asserted, is the correct path for all parties, including Israel, to achieve stability and lasting security.
Wang voiced China’s serious concerns regarding the tensions between Israel and Iran. He pointed out that further escalation of conflict serves no one’s interests and urged all parties to act responsibly to avoid falling into a cycle of violence. He clarified that China has no vested interests in regional affairs and does not engage in geopolitical competition. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China consistently stands for peace, adherence to international law, and the pursuit of facts and truth. He pledged that China would continue to play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation and restoring peace in the region.
Wang also emphasized that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is authorized to carry out peacekeeping tasks under Security Council resolutions and urged Israel to take concrete measures to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel.
The two sides also exchanged views on China-Israel relations. Cohen stated that developing relations with China is a key policy for Israel, aligning with the mutual interests of both countries. He affirmed that the Israeli government maintains its longstanding position on the Taiwan issue. In turn, Wang expressed China’s commitment to a stable and continuous policy toward Israel, indicating a willingness to restore exchanges across various sectors and promote the sustainable development of an innovative comprehensive partnership as the situation stabilizes. He urged Israel to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and citizens in Israel.
