Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi(right) and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar(left) File photo:Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Saturday, Xinhua reported. 

After listening to Saar's briefing on Israel's views regarding the current situation and its position, Wang stated that China has always advocated that international disputes should be resolved through dialogue and consultation, and opposes the use of force or sanctions. In this regard, China firmly opposes Israel's use of force in violation of international law to attack Iran. Such actions are especially unacceptable while the international community is still working toward a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

Wang emphasized that both Israel and Iran are important countries in the Middle East, and the state of their relations affects the overall peace and stability of the region. The immediate priority is to take concrete steps to prevent further escalation of the conflict and avoid plunging the region into greater turmoil. A return to diplomatic means to resolve issues reflects the broad consensus of the international community.

Wang also briefed Saar on his earlier phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. He stressed that the Middle East cannot remain perpetually shrouded in the shadow of conflict, and Israel should not continue living under the anxiety of war. Diplomatic avenues for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue have not yet been exhausted, and a peaceful resolution remains possible. Force cannot bring lasting peace; only by embracing the concept of common security can all parties' legitimate concerns be fully addressed, he said. 

China approaches regional hotspot issues based on their merits and right and wrong, and consistently urges both Israel and Iran to resolve their differences through dialogue and seek a path to peaceful coexistence. China is willing to play a constructive role in this process. Wang also expressed the hope that Israel would earnestly safeguard the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel. Saar responded that Israel has always valued and will continue to ensure the security of Chinese institutions and personnel, Wang noted.