China-Arab TV: What will China do to help calm the hot-spots in the Middle East and engage constructively with the region?

Wang Yi: Security and development have long been two major challenges for countries in the Middle East. As a strategic partner of countries in this region, China follows an approach of "double support": to firmly support Middle Eastern countries in solving regional security issues through unity and coordination, and to firmly support people in the region in independently exploring their own development paths.

Over the past year and more, China has put forward a five-point initiative on achieving security and stability in the Middle East, a four-point proposal for the political settlement of the Syrian issue, and a three-point vision for the implementation of the two-state solution between Palestine and Israel, to promote the settlement of hot-spot issues and realize regional and common security through dialogue. China and countries in the Middle East have also stood together in the face of COVID-19 and engaged in joint vaccine production and drug research and development. The accelerated development of a free trade area between China and Gulf countries and the launch of a China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan have added impetus to development in the region.

China has always played a constructive role in the Middle East. We never intend to make geopolitical gains, still less to fill a so-called "power vacuum". Over the past decades, the repeated interference from non-regional major countries in Middle Eastern affairs has hurt the region and its people time and again. This must not continue in the 21st century. The power to protect security and development in the Middle East must be returned fully to the people in this region. Support must be given to Middle Eastern countries as they promote peace through unity, pursue stability through self-reliance, and achieve development through cooperation, to bring enduring peace and prosperity to the region.

Shenzhen Satellite TV: China is deepening relations with South Pacific island countries. How do you see the future of China's ties with the Pacific islands?

Wang Yi: China's foreign policy is characterized by a commitment to equality of all countries regardless of their size. This is why the small island countries in the South Pacific have always received special attention and support from China.

We will continue to treat South Pacific countries as equals and with mutual respect and trust, and support them in following development paths that suit their national conditions.

We will continue to meet challenges together with South Pacific countries through mutual assistance. China has acted promptly to deliver emergency assistance to Tonga after the volcanic eruption, support the Solomon Islands in maintaining stability and stopping violence, and provide vaccines and medical equipment to South Pacific countries hit by COVID-19, demonstrating the spirit of a community with a shared future featuring solidarity in testing times.

We will continue to conduct mutual learning and win-win cooperation with South Pacific countries. The two sides have carried out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and China continues to offer economic and technical assistance with no political strings attached. The China-Pacific Island Countries Reserve of Emergency Supplies has been put to use, and a climate action cooperation center and a poverty reduction and development cooperation center will soon be completed.

China has been a good friend that South Pacific countries can trust. The two sides could work together to set a new example of mutual support, solidarity and cooperation between countries of different sizes and with different systems.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)