"Soldiers and weapons must be used without mercy." In February this year, the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran. The war spilled over to neighboring countries, and the conflict caused a large number of civilian casualties. Faced with the current situation in Iran, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, elaborated on China’s position at the press conference of the two sessions on the 8th: cease fire and end the war.
Many interviewed experts told reporters from China News Service that China's position advocates getting to the crux of the Iran issue and providing a path to properly resolve the issue.
Being tough with fists does not mean being tough with principles
Wang Yi stated on the 8th that issues related to Iran and the Middle East should be handled correctly and properly, and stressed that the abuse of force should not be allowed. "Strong fists do not mean strong principles. The world cannot return to the law of the jungle. Frequent use of force does not prove one's strength, and people cannot become innocent victims of war."
Yan Wei, deputy dean of the School of Regional Studies at Northwest University and deputy director of the Institute of Middle East Studies, said that the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, violated the sovereignty of other countries, and abused force in an attempt to subvert the regime. This is the fundamental reason for the delay in the current situation.
In his view, China's insistence on respecting national sovereignty, refraining from excessive use of force, and non-interference in internal affairs not only addresses the causes of the Iranian issue, but is also the basic principle for resolving the Iranian issue in the future.
All parties should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible
History has repeatedly proven that military means cannot bring lasting peace, and conflicts can ultimately only be resolved through negotiation. Wang Yi stressed, "China has always advocated that peace is the most important thing, and all parties should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible to resolve differences through equal dialogue and make efforts to achieve common security."
Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Institute of Middle East Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, said that the situation in Iran is not only a spillover effect of the new round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but also related to the Iranian nuclear issue. The war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran is not conducive to the resolution of complex issues, but instead intensifies the distrust between relevant parties. "The historical trajectory of the development of the Iranian nuclear issue also proves that negotiation is the correct path to solve the problem."
Tao Jian, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former dean of the School of International Relations, further pointed out that relevant parties cannot use negotiations as a means of pressure. "Currently, negotiation is the most direct and effective way to achieve peace and development in the Middle East."
Major countries must play a constructive role
China has proven with its practical actions that it has always been a defender of peace and stability in the Middle East, a promoter of development and prosperity, and a supporter of unity and independence.
"China plays a role as a stabilizer in the Middle East, especially in promoting conflict de-escalation, opposing regime change, promoting regional economic and social development, and strengthening regional unity and cooperation," Yan Wei said.
"If benevolence and righteousness are not exercised, the offensive and defensive forces will be different." When talking about the situation in Iran, Wang Yi quoted ancient Chinese proverbs and emphasized that major countries should abide by justice and act on the right path, and contribute more positive energy to the peaceful development of the Middle East.
Liu Zhongmin said that since the outbreak of a new round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict in 2023, the destructive role played by the United States in Middle East affairs has continued to increase. He believes that China's principled position emphasizes respect for international law and norms of international relations, "respect international law, resolve hot issues politically, oppose interference in internal affairs, and major countries must play a constructive role." (over)
