The latest Palestinian-Israeli conflict has sadly taken more than four thousand lives and the death toll is still increasing by the day, creating a worst humanitarian crisis in this millennium. The Chinese, like the Somalis, are shocked by the October 17th attack against the hospital in Gaza, taking heavy casualties. The Chinese Government strongly condemns the attack, and calls for an immediate ceasefire and utmost efforts to protect civilians. China, Somalia and all other peace-loving nations are gravely concerned.
On the Palestinian question, China always stands on the side of peace, justice and human conscience, as reiterated recently by Chinese Foreign Minister His Excellency Wang Yi.
On the ongoing conflict, China advocates that the top priority should be an all-out effort to stop the fighting as soon as possible, prevent it from spreading endlessly and avoid further worsening of the situation. China also emphasizes that it is imperative to observe international humanitarian law, make every effort to ensure the safety of civilians, open up a humanitarian rescue and assistance corridor as quickly as possible, and prevent a severe humanitarian disaster. China makes it very clear that relevant countries should stay calm and exercise restraint, take an objective and just position, help deescalate the conflict, and refrain from dealing an even more severe blow to regional and international security. As always, China supports the UN’s role in resolving the Palestinian question, stressing that the UN Security Council needs to shoulder important responsibilities, build international consensus as quickly as possible and take real measures to that end.
China has also made its own peace proposal. In June, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a three-point proposal during his talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. First, the fundamental solution of the Palestine question lies in the establishment of an independent state of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders and with east Jerusalem as its capital. Second, Palestine’s economic and livelihood needs should be met, and the international community needs to step up development assistance and humanitarian aid to Palestine. Third, it is important to keep to the right direction of peace talks. This proposal is a testament to China’s resolve and efforts in helping achieve reconciliation and promote peace talks.
In response to the call of the UN and ease the humanitarian situation in Gaza, China is providing urgent humanitarian assistance to the UN and Palestinian Authority to help meet the pressing needs of food, medical supplies and shelter in Gaza. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun are engaging leaders and diplomats from various nations to help cool down the situation and promote peace talks.
In face of global challenges on the rise, China has put forward three major initiatives:
The Global Security Initiative, which calls for the approach of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, couldn’t be more relevant for Palestine and Israel, two inseparable neighbors, whose security could not be divided and must be addressed together for lasting peace for both sides.
The Global Development Initiative, which focuses on development as the master key to all problems, carries human wisdom that may help address the root causes for disputes and differences between the two sides to the conflict and in the region. Development may also help sustain any gains in a political solution.
The Global Civilization Initiative, which emphasizes cultural exchanges, mutual learning and diversity, may shed light on both sides with different cultures and religions to peacefully coexist in a changing world. Diversity is a blessing not a curse and could be a source of strength not conflict for both the Palestinians and Israelis and humanity as a whole.
At the end of the day, the solution should be in the hands of the Palestinians and Israelis. For peace loving nations around the world, we also have a role to play for peace, for justice, for all innocent civilians, for ourselves and our children and theirs to come. The way forward must have more to do with peace rather than force, with respect for and protection of innocent lives rather than the contrary.
As Chinese President Xi Jinping rightly said in Beijing yesterday at Opening Ceremony of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation: Humankind is a community with a shared future. China can only do well when the world is doing well. When China does well, the world will get even better. The same could be true for Somalia and many nations around the world. We all want and deserve a better future and we shall join hands for better days to come. May all of us enjoy peace and security on this only planet we have.
The author is H.E. Fei Shengchao, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Federal Republic of Somalia
