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In an unprecedented press conference in Beijing, Wang Yi called for peace talks to end the two-year conflict in Ukraine.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China sees itself as a “force for peace” in the world as it pursues deeper ties with Russia despite Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
“Even in the face of complex turmoil in the international environment, China will continue to be a force for peace, stability and progress in the world,” Wang told reporters at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday. Told. On the sidelines of the country’s annual parliamentary session.
Wang, who spoke in Chinese, was also asked about relations between Russia and China, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The two countries announced an “unrestricted” partnership shortly before the invasion, after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing and Chinese President Xi Jinping praised a “new era” of cooperation during a visit to Moscow last year. Announced.
The foreign minister said close ties between China and Russia were a “strategic choice”, noting that bilateral trade reached a record $240 billion in 2023.
He described the relationship between the two countries as a “new paradigm” in great power relations, adding that “new opportunities” lie ahead.
“Major powers should not seek conflict and should not allow the Cold War to return,” Wang said.
China has positioned itself as a neutral country in the Ukraine war, and on the first anniversary of the conflict, it announced a 12-point peace plan calling for a ceasefire and talks between the two sides.
On Thursday, Wang insisted that China maintains an “objective and impartial position” regarding Ukraine, noted that peace envoy Li Hui is currently in the region, and called for renewed peace talks. I called out.
“Conflicts tend to worsen and escalate when prolonged, which can lead to even bigger crises,” Wang said.
During the wide-ranging discussion, which lasted 90 minutes, Mr. Wang, 70, was also asked questions about issues such as the Gaza conflict, relations between China and the United States and the disputed South China Sea.
The veteran diplomat called Israel’s five-month war in Gaza and the world’s apparent inability to stop the bloodshed “a human tragedy and a disgrace to civilization.”
Israel has moved into the area after Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2006, launched an attack on Israel on October 7, killing 1,139 people and kidnapping around 250 Israelis and foreigners. sent troops.
At least 30,717 Palestinians have been killed by shelling so far, as the health system collapses and the risk of starvation rises. Hamas released some prisoners during the ceasefire in November, but is believed to still be holding about 100 prisoners.
Wang called for the release of “all detainees” and called for an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations.
“The tragedy in Gaza is a wake-up call to the world,” he said.
Talks brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United States for a six-week ceasefire ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan have so far failed.
Wang also reiterated China’s long-standing commitment to a two-state solution, saying it was the only way to achieve an end to the conflict.
He also said China supports Palestine’s “full” membership in the United Nations.
Regarding relations with the United States, which have restored some balance after the two countries’ presidents met in San Francisco late last year, Wang said sanctions had “reached an unfathomable and extraordinary level” that the U.S. government Although he criticized the situation harshly, he expressed an optimistic outlook. “Absurd”.
Noting that the United States and China are scheduled to celebrate the 45th anniversary of formal bilateral relations this year, Wang said that China wants a “stable and consistent” relationship and that the United States is committed to “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence.” He said he could cooperate with China on the basis of “win-win”. win cooperation. ”
The two countries have been at odds over a variety of issues, from Taiwan to trade to a Chinese reconnaissance balloon that was shot down after allegedly invading the United States last year.
Wang reiterated China’s claims to Taiwan, an autonomous island that Beijing claims is part of its territory, and said those seeking independence would be “witted by history.”
He also spoke about the disputed South China Sea, where China has clashed with the Philippines several times in recent months, claiming almost the entire area despite being found innocent by international tribunals. also issued a sharp warning.
In the latest incident on Tuesday, the Philippines claimed its boat was attacked by a Chinese coast guard vessel that tried to intercept a resupply mission to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Palawan Island in the western Philippines. announced that it was damaged. It is more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from Hainan Island in southern China.
Manila is moving closer to the United States amid rising tensions in the strategic waters, where China also has deployed maritime militia and fishing fleets.
Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam also claim parts of the South China Sea around their coasts.
“We firmly oppose all hegemonism and acts of bullying, and strongly defend national sovereignty, security and development interests,” Wang said.
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