Cairo, 16 January 2024 (TDI): In a joint effort to address the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, China and the Arab League have issued a resounding call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.
The call comes as both sides express deep concern over the recent escalation of tensions in the Red Sea region and emphasize the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The consensus was reached during a pivotal meeting between Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister, and the League of Arab States Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit. The parties stressed the need to implement relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions on the situation in Gaza and the broader Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Ceasefire and Resolution
China and the Arab League advocate for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. They underscore the importance of adhering to relevant UN resolutions, calling for an end to all forms of violence against civilians and violations of international and humanitarian law.
Moreover, the two sides opposed the forced transfer of Palestinian civilians and demand the immediate release of captives. They propose the establishment of a humanitarian coordination mechanism and emphasize the necessity of humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip through a sustainable, rapid, safe, and barrier-free mechanism.
Principles for the Future of Palestine
Any future arrangement concerning the destiny of Palestine should adhere to the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine.” The statement emphasizes that the two-state solution remains the foundation for any future arrangements regarding the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank (including East Jerusalem).
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Moreover, the Chinese side acknowledges the crucial role played by the Arab side in stabilizing the regional situation and preventing a comprehensive humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. In turn, the Arab side expresses gratitude for China’s efforts in defusing the Gaza conflict, achieving a ceasefire, and supporting the just cause of the Palestinian people.
Red Sea Tensions
Furthermore, expressing deep concern over recent tensions in the Red Sea region, both sides stress the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen. They emphasize the need to ensure the security of international commercial routes in the Red Sea.
Zhu Yongbiao, executive director of the Research Center for the Belt and Road at Lanzhou University, informed that if tensions in the Red Sea spread, they would impact trade activities in both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. This would result in increased time and costs for shipping, potentially affecting oil prices.
Li stated that the overall impact has just begun, and observers are closely monitoring whether Red Sea tensions, arising from the confrontation between the Houthis and the US, will exert a greater influence on the future global economy. However, he believes that the Biden administration will prioritize the US elections in 2024 and refrain from opening a third front.
Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated at a press conference on Monday that since the outbreak of the latest Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China has consistently supported equity and justice.
China has actively worked towards achieving a ceasefire, restoring peace, and protecting civilians. Mao Ning cited remarks by Wang Yi in Egypt, emphasizing that a ceasefire is the prevailing priority, and providing humanitarian aid is an imperative moral responsibility.
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