The conflict in Iran drags on and continues to spill over. Regional security has deteriorated significantly, casting another shadow over world peace. This has hit the global economy and energy security hard, and the economic and social development of the Dutch Caribbean are not immune. While the two sides concerned have started talks recently, their differences remain hard to resolve, and the outlook for the future remains uncertain. The situation in the Middle East being complicated and sensitive, the international community yearns for clear guidance to promote a ceasefire and an end to the conflict and achieve peace.
Since the conflict began, China has held an objective, just and balanced position and has been working to help bring about a ceasefire and end to the conflict. China and Pakistan had issued an initiative for Restoring Peace and Stability in the Gulf and Middle East Region. The initiative calls for immediate cessation of hostilities, early start of peace talks, security of non-military targets, security of shipping lanes and the primacy of the United Nations Charter, and thus embodies the international consensus for ceasefire and peace.
Recently, when meeting with Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, President Xi Jinping made a four-point proposition on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. The proposition responded to the common aspiration of the international community.
First, stay committed to the principle of peaceful co-existence. The Gulf states in the Middle East are close neighbors that cannot move away. It’s important to support the Gulf states in improving their ties, work to build a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture of the Middle East and the Gulf region, and consolidate the foundation for peaceful co-existence. Second, stay committed to the principle of national sovereignty. Sovereignty serves as a foundation for all countries, especially developing countries, to survive and thrive, and it must not be violated. The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf states should be earnestly respected, and the safety of their personnel, facilities and institutions vigorously safeguarded. Third, stay committed to the principle of international rule of law. We should safeguard the authority of international rule of law, reject selective application, and prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle. It is important to firmly uphold the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter. Fourth, stay committed to a balanced approach to development and security. Security is a prerequisite for development, and development serves as a safeguard of security. All sides should work to create a sound environment for and bring positive energy to the development of the Gulf states.
The four-point proposition reflects China’s consistent position and active efforts for promoting ceasefire and peace, and advocating dialogue in resolving differences. At present, the Middle East situation is still at a crucial stage of transition with an uncertain future. China, as it always does, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, remains committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic channels, and will, based on President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposition, work together with the international community to continue playing a constructive role for bringing lasting peace and stability to the Middle East.