China holds talks with Palestine, Israel FMs

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken over the phone with his Palestinian and Israeli counterparts, the latest mediation efforts through phone calls with foreign ministers of multiple countries on ending hostilities and restoring peace.

During his talks with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki on Monday, Wang expressed deep sympathy for people facing a difficult situation in Gaza.

"What the Gaza Strip needs most is peacemaking efforts, not geopolitical calculations," he said.

He said China has provided emergency humanitarian assistance and will continue to offer material assistance to the people of Gaza according to their needs.

Wang also urged the United Nations Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities, and called on the international community to take urgent action.

Countries outside the region, especially major powers, should remain impartial and play a constructive role in de-escalating the crisis, Wang said.

He said the only way out for the Palestinian question is in the implementation of the two-state solution and the realization of Palestinian people's right to existence and statehood as well as the right to return.

Al-Maliki expressed gratitude to China for upholding justice with a clear and strong voice.

In a conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on the same day, Wang said that all countries have the right to self-defense, but they should adhere to international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians.

Painful lessons

The Palestine-Israel conflict affects the whole world and represents a major choice between war and peace, Wang said.

The painful lessons of the recurring conflict fully demonstrate that sustainable security can only be achieved by adhering to the concept of common security, while political settlement is the way to thoroughly address Israel's legitimate security concerns, he said.

China will firmly support any move that is conducive to peace and will do its best as long as it is conducive to the reconciliation between Palestine and Israel, he said.

Cohen also expressed Israel's security concerns over the conflict.

Since the outbreak of the current conflict, China has maintained close communication with the relevant parties, actively participated in consultations at the UN Security Council, and made every effort to promote peace talks and help de-escalate the situation.

Meanwhile, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun is visiting several Arab countries, engaging in shuttle diplomacy.

China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Tuesday said the international community, especially the Arab nations, commended China's "just position" and the role it has played as a responsible major country.