Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait: Calls for Ending War, Strives to Secure Peace

Although the war is still raging with airstrikes, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun, overcoming numerous difficulties, has been in the Middle East to carry out shuttle diplomacy. Recently, Special Envoy Zhai Jun lead the first high-level diplomatic delegation to visit Kuwait since the escalation of the situation on February 28. During his stay in Kuwait, Special Envoy Zhai Jun had an in-depth exchange of views with Foreign Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah. He stressed that China condemns nondiscriminatory attacks against innocent civilians or non-military targets. China believes that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of GCC countries should be fully respected. Non-military targets such as energy and economic facilities should not be attacked, and the safety of waterways should not be disrupted. The pressing priority now is to stop fighting and end the war. The international community should urge the parties concerned to immediately stop their military operations and prevent further deterioration of the tensions.

The ongoing conflict that is now affecting the Middle Eastern countries, is a war that should not have happened-it is a war that does no one any good. The history of the Middle East tells the world time and again that force provides no solution and armed conflicts will only breed hatred and new crises. To promote a ceasefire, halt hostilities in the region, and deescalate the situation, China has carried out intensive mediation efforts. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had phone calls with his counterparts from Russia, Oman, Iran, France, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt for in-depth exchanges of views on regional situation. China calls for an immediate stop to the military operations to prevent the conflict from further escalation and spreading, and a return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible.

China has consistently advocated resolving international and regional hotspot issues through dialogue and consultation. All parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and refrain from the use or threat of force in international relations. China opposes launching military strikes against Iran, and in the meantime does not go along with attacks against Gulf countries. No matter the justification, the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable. When holding a phone conversation with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Foreign Minister Wang Yi made it clear that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Gulf states should be fully respected. In his phone call with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Wang Yi called on Iran to take seriously the legitimate concerns of neighboring countries. China commends the GCC countries for their calm response amidst the conflict and their commitment to resolving issues through dialogue and negotiation.

The spreading and escalating conflict in the Middle East, now affecting Kuwait, is not what China wishes to see. Multiple civilian facilities, including Kuwait International Airport, have sustained damage, and a number of military personnel and civilians have suffered casualties. China feels deeply for the hardship and pain currently being experienced by Kuwait, expresses deep condolences for the lives lost, and extends heartfelt sympathies to the leadership and people of Kuwait. Under the leadership of H.H. the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Kuwait has taken robust measures to safeguard national sovereignty and protect the safety of its people, and remains committed to resolving the current crisis through peace and dialogue. The Kuwaiti government has strived to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Kuwait and facilitate the return of those stranded in Kuwait to China. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the leadership of Kuwait and relevant departments of the government.

As a sincere friend of Kuwait and other Middle Eastern countries, China will stay committed to urging peace and defending justice and fairness. China stands ready to work with Kuwait and other countries to implement the Global Security Initiative, continue to play a constructive role for de-escalation and restoration of peace, and restore order to the Middle East, restore tranquility to the people, and restore peace to the world!