UN Security Council should help de-escalate Middle East situation: FM

The United Nations Security Council should help de-escalate the situation in the Gulf region and the Middle East, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said.

The UN Security Council actions should bring an end to conflict and resume talks, rather than endorsing illegal acts of war or adding fuel to the fire, Wang said during a telephone call with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on Thursday.

During the conversation, Wang reiterated China's principled stance of opposing aggression and promoting peace, highlighting the country's role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and its wider sense of responsibility.

Wang told Al Zayani that China is willing to work with Bahrain to help put an end to the conflict and restore peace in the Gulf region and the Middle East.

Beijing is willing to work with Bahrain to promote lasting stability in the region and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of countries in the Global South, particularly the small and medium-sized nations, he added.

Al Zayani briefed Wang on the latest developments in the Middle East and Bahrain's position, saying that, in addition to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz being disrupted, Gulf countries currently face severe security challenges.

According to Al Zayani, Bahrain, which currently holds the presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council Supreme Council, is willing to work through the UN Security Council to resolve the issue of navigation through the Strait, and also hopes to strengthen communication and coordination with China.

Earlier this week, China and Pakistan issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region and the Middle East, which includes calls for halting attacks on civilians and non-military targets, ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz and restoring regular navigation.

"A ceasefire and an end to military action are the shared aspiration of the international community," Wang said.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn