Question: The situation in Iran has remained tense recently, and the security landscape in the region has become complex and grave. The international community is closely watching how the situation may evolve. Against this backdrop, China has stayed committed to promoting talks for peace, and has been advocating political and diplomatic settlement to differences. It has put forward a series of major proposals with a view to safeguarding regional peace and stability and global public security. What are the key principles China follows in advancing a political settlement of the situation?
Embassy Spokesperson: China is deeply concerned about the developments relating to Iran and the emergence of new tensions. The situation is at a critical juncture. Any action that intensifies confrontation or leads to unilateral escalation risks triggering chain reactions, with more serious repercussions for regional peace and stability and the security of international energy transport. In particular, it will pose real risks to safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
China has always called for addressing regional security issues from a long-term and overall perspective and promoting a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. In a meeting with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 14 April, President Xi Jinping put forward important propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, highlighting commitment to four principles: First, peaceful coexistence. China supports regional countries in improving relations and working towards a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture for the Middle East and the Gulf. Second, national sovereignty. The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf states should be respected. Third, the international rule of law. It is important to uphold the international system with the UN at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and prevent a return to the law of the jungle. Fourth, a coordinated approach to development and security. China stands ready to share the opportunities of Chinese modernisation with regional countries. All parties should work to foster a favourable environment for the development of the Middle East and Gulf countries.
The four-point proposal fully demonstrates China’s consistent position of promoting peace, ending conflict and resolving differences through dialogue. It offers a Chinese solution for moving beyond conflict and achieving peace, and has won growing recognition and support from countries in the region and the wider international community.
China has always maintained that security cannot be built on the insecurity of others, that dialogue must not be replaced by confrontation, and that the region must not be allowed to slide into prolonged instability. With the conflict dragging on and the situation remaining complex and grave, the immediate priority is to exercise calm and restraint, and to prevent further escalation or spillover. War cannot solve problems. Dialogue and consultation are the only way to settle disputes.
China will continue to uphold an objective and impartial position, maintain close communication and coordination with all relevant parties, actively promote talks for peace, and play a constructive role in cooling down the situation and preventing the conflict from widening.
