On December 13, 2024, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister, held a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty and answered questions.

In response to the question of China's view on the recurrence of conflicts in the Middle East, Wang Yi said that since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, no crisis has ended before another crisis erupted in the Middle East. The tensions between Palestine and Israel, Lebanon and Israel, Iran and Israel, and the Red Sea have been escalating in succession, even the sudden changes in the situation in Syria recently. The endless turmoil and recurrence of conflicts in the Middle East have left serious impacts on international peace and security. Where will the Middle East go in the future? This is a question that Middle Eastern countries must first answer. It is also a matter that the international community must seriously reflect on and learn from. In the face of the chaotic situation in the Middle East, the Chinese side believes that:

The immediate concern is to achieve a ceasefire, prevent violence and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. All UN Security Council resolutions must be adhered to, actions that could escalate the regional situation must be stopped, and new obstacles to the ceasefire must be avoided. The humanitarian issue must not be politicized again, and civilian lives must not be a bargaining chip. The international community must fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, help the region improve the humanitarian situation, alleviate the suffering of the people of the Middle East, and prevent a new wave of refugees, in particular in Syria.

The fundamental way out is to adhere to a political solution and resume dialogue and negotiations. Violence does not create security, and force does not create peace. The UN Security Council should take its responsibility for maintaining security and stability in the Middle East seriously, and all members of the UN Security Council should make positive contributions in this regard, instead of making things worse and increasing chaos. The well-being of the people of the countries in the region and the security and stability of the region should be given priority. Efforts should be continued in dialogue and consultation, the momentum of reconciliation in the region brought about by the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran should be maintained, differences should be resolved through tolerance, mutual trust should be enhanced through cooperation, and a new and sustainable security framework in the Middle East should be built on the basis of consensus on taking into account the concerns of others. The Palestinian issue should not be marginalized again, and the situation in Syria should not be disintegrated.

The basic principle is to uphold the independence of the future and avoid external interference. The Middle East belongs to its people, and the people of the Middle East should have firmly taken control of the future of their countries into their own hands long ago. The Middle East has long been affected by the conflicts between major countries, and has even become a victim of geopolitical conflicts. This historical injustice cannot continue. The international community should seriously respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region, and help them resolve disputes and conflicts based on the nature of the matter and international justice and fairness, instead of making decisions for them. The situation cannot be constantly inflamed, let alone seize the fire for the purpose of plunder.

Wang Yi stressed that stability is a prerequisite for development, and development is a driving force for stability. We hope that Middle Eastern countries will bury old grudges, resolve their disputes, and truly unite as brothers and sisters in one family. We hope that these countries will achieve comprehensive peace and development in the Middle East, and work together to preserve and build the Middle East as their own homeland. In this process, China, as a sincere friend of all Middle Eastern countries, will continue to advocate peace and stability, promote development and prosperity, and support unity and independence in the Middle East, and will remain a reliable partner of Middle Eastern countries in the long term.