Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterates call for ceasefire

Expressing “deep sorrow” over the “catastrophic situation in Gaza,” Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 29 reiterated his call for an “urgent” ceasefire in Gaza – the strip of land on the Mediterranean coast that has become a flashpoint for conflict.

“The ongoing conflict has caused huge civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire,” Xi told Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The two leaders held bilateral talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

“China is deeply saddened,” Xi said. “The urgent thing now is to implement a ceasefire as soon as possible, prevent the conflict from spreading and eroding regional peace and stability, and prevent a more serious humanitarian crisis,” the Chinese president said.

Egyptian President El-Sisi is in Beijing to attend a conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

“The fundamental path to resolving the Palestine issue lies in the two-state solution,” Xi said, expressing China’s firm support for Palestine’s bid for full membership in the United Nations.

The Chinese leader praised Egypt's “important role in helping to ease the situation and provide humanitarian aid.”

Egypt, along with Qatar and the United States, has been involved in months of talks aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, along with the release of hostages kidnapped since last October.

China “stands ready to work with Egypt to continue to support the people in Gaza to the best of its ability and push for an early resolution of the issue,” Xi told El-Sisi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (back right) and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (back left) witness the signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 29, 2024. Photo: Business Recorder

Beijing has sought to build closer ties with Arab states in recent years and last year successfully brokered a de-escalation of tensions between former foes Iran and Saudi Arabia.

This week, several Arab leaders are in Beijing, where they are seeking to find “common ground” on the conflict between Israel and Hamas and improve cooperative relations.

On May 28, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his counterparts from Yemen and Sudan in Beijing, saying he hoped to “strengthen solidarity and coordination” with the Arab world .

During a meeting with his Yemeni counterpart Shayea Mohsen Al-Zindani, Wang also raised China's concerns about disruptive attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi forces in solidarity with Hamas.

“China calls for an end to harassment of civilian vessels and ensuring the safety of waterways in the Red Sea,” state news agency Xinhua quoted Wang as saying .

Minh Duc (According to Anadolu, Arab News)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/chu-tich-trung-quoc-tap-can-binh-nhac-lai-loi-keu-goi-ngung-ban-a665967.html