written by Mr. XU Jian, Charge d’Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Sudan
The Middle East is currently plaguedby turmoil and complexity, as the spillover effect of the conflict continues to spread, with glaring deficits in security and peace. Against this backdrop, Chinese President Xi Jinping recently put forward four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, contributing China’s wisdom and proposal to the goal of achievinglasting peace and universal security in the region.
First, stay committed to the principle of peaceful co-existence. The Gulf states in the Middle East are close neighbors that cannot move away. It’s important to support the Gulf states in improving their ties, work to build a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture of the Middle East and the Gulf region, and consolidate the foundation for peaceful co-existence.
Second, stay committed to the principle of national sovereignty. Sovereignty serves as a foundation for all countries, especially developing countries, to survive and thrive, and it must not be violated. The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf states should be earnestly respected, and the safety of their personnel, facilities and institutions vigorously safeguarded.
Third, stay committed to the principle of international rule of law. We should safeguard the authority of international rule of law, reject selective application, and prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle. It is important to firmly uphold the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter.
Fourth, stay committed to a balanced approach to development and security. Security is a prerequisite for development, and development serves as a safeguard of security. All sides should work to create a sound environment for and bring positive energy to the development of the Gulf states. China stands ready to share with the Gulf countries the opportunities through Chinese modernization, and work with them to nurture a fertile ground for regional development and security.
The four-point proposition is not just a Chinese solution delivered from afar, but also a beacon of light for the region’s journey to peace, reflecting the shared aspiration of China and all peace-loving countries. War tests the conscience and the justice of humanity while peace calls for wisdom and determination from all countries. As a sincere friend and strategic partner of the Gulf states in the Middle East, China is always committed to building peace in the region, boosting its stability and contributing to its development. China will continue to standon the right side of peaceful dialogue, the side of history, and the side of the progress of human civilization and work with Sudan and other like-minded countries to implement the four global initiatives, namely the Global Development Initiative(GDI), the Global Security Initiative(GSI), the Global Civilization Initiative(GCI), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), so as to make its due contribution to restoring peace and stability in the Middle East at an early date. We are convinced that as long as the international community makes concerted efforts and remains committed to replacing confrontation with cooperation and exclusion with inclusiveness, the Middle East will eventually see its storms subside, and this land of great promise will surely usher in a new chapter of peace and prosperity.
