China is a major responsible country that contributes to building peace in the Middle East

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The situation in the Middle East is witnessing profound transformations, and the pursuit of peace rather than war, dialogue rather than confrontation, and fairness rather than domination has increasingly become a general demand and a common aspiration for the peoples of the countries of the region. China has always been a contributor to peace, stability and development for the Middle East, and promoting peace and reconciliation in the region is the cornerstone of China's policy towards the Middle East. Since the beginning of this year, President Xi Jinping has put forward a series of initiatives and proposals aimed at achieving peace in the Middle East, which presented the Chinese government and its solutions to break the security impasse in the region.

The Chinese side always believes that conflicts should not escalate or the scope of fighting should not expand, and that confrontation leads to exacerbation of differences, but dialogue is the correct path. We should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, take seriously the legitimate concerns of all parties, remove obstacles and continue to adhere to the trend towards a political settlement. The position of the Chinese side has received wide attention and welcome from the international community. The situation in Yemen and the Red Sea has witnessed an escalation in the recent period, which has led to a further shock to the security and development of the region. A few days ago, the Yemeni Houthi group targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, resulting in massive human losses. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman clearly expressed condemnation and deep concern about the escalation of the conflict, stressing that the Chinese side always opposes attacks targeting civilians and civilian facilities, and calls on the parties concerned to avoid taking steps that lead to escalation of tension in the region, and to resolve differences and conflicts through dialogue and negotiation. His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal, distorting it and mixing facts with falsehoods. But the rumors stopped before those with insight, and His Highness the Prince clarified his position firmly.

The claim that “the Houthis are using Chinese parts to manufacture missiles” is pure slander and deception, not based on any basis in truth, and the Chinese side firmly opposes it. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, China has always taken a cautious and responsible attitude in the export of military products, strictly controlled the export of dual-use items, strictly adhered to and implemented relevant Security Council resolutions, and fulfilled its international obligations.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment of comprehensive strategic partnership relations between China and Saudi Arabia. Last April, President Xi Jinping held a phone call with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, where they reached an important consensus on deepening Chinese-Saudi relations and enhancing peace and stability in the region, which will guide the direction of developing relations between the two countries. During this year, under the strategic leadership of the diplomacy of the presidents of the two countries, high-level contacts and interactions between the two countries intensified, and visits were exchanged between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, which constantly enhances strategic communication and mutual political trust. Practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields has achieved abundant results, and the alignment between the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the “Saudi Vision 2030” has deepened. The bilateral trade volume of China and Saudi Arabia will exceed US$108 billion in 2025, maintaining a volume exceeding the US$100 billion threshold for consecutive years.

Cultural and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries are also increasing, as the mutual visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, service and special passports between China and Saudi Arabia has entered into force, while the Chinese policy of unilateral visa exemption for holders of regular Saudi passports continues, which contributes to further facilitating the movement of individuals between the two countries. China and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia constantly maintain communication and coordination on regional situations. Saudi Arabia and Iran resumed diplomatic relations in March 2023, with Chinese mediation, and the fundamental meaning of this lies in pushing towards peace and stability in the Middle East, and it also embodies a new model for settling international disputes through dialogue. The Chinese side is working to consolidate the momentum of reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, inject positive energy into efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region, and is preparing to work with all parties to make efforts to restore peace in the region as soon as possible. The impact of the fires of war in the Middle East on the security and stability of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries is something that the Chinese side does not want to see. The Chinese side does not approve of attacks targeting Gulf countries, and opposes all actions targeting civilians and non-military targets. The Chinese side supports the legitimate security concerns of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and understands and supports the efforts of all countries to safeguard their sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

The path to peace has never been strewn with roses, and promoting peace and stopping war requires mobilizing and concerted efforts. We believe that as long as all parties adhere to the peace option and remain steadfast in this approach, the Middle East will certainly embrace a bright future. Regarding Middle East issues, China will continue to contribute as usual to promoting peace and stability, advancing reconciliation and promoting dialogue, and achieving fairness and justice!