China’s special envoy for Middle East affairs, Zhai Jun, stated that his country intends to actively promote peace talks and calls on the international community to bring the conflict in the region back to a purely diplomatic track.
Chai stated at a press conference on Monday that he recently visited several countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt, and also held extensive discussions with the Iranian side.
Xinhua quoted Chai as saying: "All parties oppose the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. All parties believe that the strait is extremely important for global energy security and the stability of global energy supply chains. Continuing its closure will bring intolerable consequences for everyone."
He stated that the countries of the region recognize that Iran is an indispensable neighbor, adding that these countries welcomed Iran’s statement that it would not attack neighboring countries, and that these countries call for resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation.
Chai explained that countries in the region highly commend China’s stance and its ongoing diplomatic mediation, adding that countries in the region have expressed their hope that China will play a greater role in de-escalation.
Chai said: "The past and present show us that dialogue and negotiations are the only solution to disputes and conflicts. Military means cannot solve fundamental problems, and the use of force should never be the first option."
He stressed that China calls on the international community to uphold its commitment to peace, actively promote peace talks, and facilitate a return to diplomatic means for resolving disputes.
The Chinese envoy also stressed the need for the United Nations to play the role of chief mediator in helping the parties overcome their differences, restore trust, and resume the negotiation process.
Earlier today, the Chinese Foreign Ministry called on all parties involved in the conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz to immediately cease military operations, warning that continued escalation could plunge the entire region into chaos.
