Wang Highlights China’s Role as Peacemaker and Urges Ceasefire in the Middle East

By Simon Lewis and Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – During the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized his country’s role as a global peacemaker by calling for an end to violence in the Middle East while highlighting China’s diplomatic efforts regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Wang’s remarks followed a significant escalation in violence as Israel conducted a major airstrike in Beirut, killing the leader of Hezbollah, a group aligned with Iran. This incident has heightened concerns over a potential regional conflict, adding to the ongoing tensions between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza, which have persisted for nearly a year.

“The question of Palestine remains a profound moral concern for humanity. The conflict in Gaza continues unabated, resulting in increasing casualties day by day. Renewed fighting in Lebanon demonstrates that power cannot substitute for justice,” Wang stated. He urged for immediate action towards achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and reaffirmed that a two-state solution is vital for lasting peace.

As the world’s second-largest economy, China has recently intensified its engagement in various international conflicts, positioning itself as a competitor to the United States as a global mediator. In July, Beijing facilitated discussions among Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah. Additionally, President Xi Jinping played a significant role in brokering a diplomatic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran earlier this year.

“Peace is the most valuable asset in our world today,” Wang asserted at the U.N. “For the sake of peace, even a glimmer of hope warrants a relentless pursuit. Every opportunity deserves our utmost effort.”

In terms of peace initiatives, China’s most notable endeavor has been its proposal for dialogue to resolve the war in Ukraine. With the conflict now in its third year, both Ukraine and Russia remain distant on any prospects for a peaceful resolution. China, along with Brazil, has called for renewed negotiations involving both Kyiv and Moscow and recently garnered support from countries in the Global South.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed skepticism during the U.N. General Assembly, questioning the need for alternative proposals to his own peace plan and cautioning, “You will not enhance your influence at Ukraine’s expense.”

Wang reiterated China’s commitment to a constructive role in peace processes, emphasizing that the country seeks to mediate and promote dialogue rather than exacerbate conflicts or exploit crises for its own interests. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that China and Brazil could serve as mediators in any potential peace discussions.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized China’s efforts, highlighting the contradiction in promoting peace in Ukraine while simultaneously assisting Moscow in its military production.

Despite these global peace initiatives, China continues to face maritime tensions with neighboring countries that are wary of its assertive stance. Xi has asserted that the “reunification” of China and Taiwan is inevitable, claiming China’s authority over the Taiwan Strait, a critical maritime route.

Wang concluded with a declaration about Taiwan, stating, “The complete reunification of China will be achieved. Taiwan will ultimately return to the embrace of the motherland.”