China says, no geopolitical considertion in its role in Middle East

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki meet the press after their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 13, 2017. (Xinhua/Cui Xinyu)

BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- China said on Thursday that it has no geopolitical concerns in its role in the Middle East and reaffirmed that its stance would always be fair and just.

"China has played a positive and constructive role in the Middle East for years. There is no geopolitical consideration in its role, nor intention to make a balance with any other country," Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters after his talks with visiting Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki in Beijing.

Wang added that China welcomed any country that wanted to support the region more and give more attention to the Palestine-Israel issue.

He said the Palestine issue can only be settled with concrete action.

The foreign minister voiced support for the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, the two-state solution, the establishment of a fully independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and any other help that would ease the Palestine-Israel situation.

Wang urged the relevant sides to immediately stop any action that may undermine peace talks and mutual trust, and called for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2334, and for the building of new settlements and violence against civilians to stop.

The resolution, adopted on Dec. 23, 2016, condemned Israel's settlements on occupied Palestinian territory as illegal, and urged it to halt building.

Wang called for the resumption of peace talks as early as possible, and hoped the international community could enhance cooperation in this regard.

Wang said China has made and will continue its efforts to promote the solution of the Palestine-Israel issue.

China has always supported Palestine on its capacity building and will continue to offer support and help within its own capacity.

Riyad al-Malki is on a four-day official visit to China from April 12 to 15 at the invitation of Wang.