China will send special envoys to visit the Middle East

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, said that China is deeply concerned about the current heightened tensions in the Middle East. Recently, China immediately launched mediation efforts. Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone calls with his counterparts in Russia, Iran, Oman, France, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and others respectively, exchanging in-depth views on the regional situation, stressing that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be followed, and that the use of force at will in international relations should be opposed. He pointed out that military operations must be stopped immediately, and that talks and negotiations should be resumed as soon as possible, so as to prevent the further escalation of tensions and the further spread of the fighting. The parties involved in the conflict should earnestly fulfill their international obligations, safeguard the safety of civilians, and avoid attacks on civilian facilities. Prolonging the fighting and allowing the conflict to escalate is not in the interests of any side. China believes that war and the use of force cannot fundamentally solve problems, and that dialogue and negotiations are the correct way to resolve issues. Disputes and differences should be resolved through political and diplomatic means. China will continue to communicate with relevant parties, including the parties involved in the conflict, enhance mediation efforts, and build consensus. China will send Chinese Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Zhai Jun, to visit the Middle East in the near term to make active efforts to help cool the tensions. (CCTV News)