During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to France, both countries released a joint statement expressing condemnation for all breaches of international humanitarian law in the Middle East, particularly acts of terrorist violence and indiscriminate attacks targeting civilians.
The statement, released following extensive discussions between President Xi and French President Emmanuel Macron on the Middle East situation, emphasized the critical need to safeguard civilians in Gaza in accordance with international humanitarian law. Both leaders voiced opposition to an Israeli offensive in Rafah, warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe and forced displacement of Palestinian civilians.
Highlighting the urgent necessity for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, the two heads of state called for unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery and protection for civilians in Gaza. They demanded the unconditional release of all hostages and stressed the importance of humanitarian access to meet medical and other essential needs, while emphasizing respect for international law regarding detainees.
In addition, China and France urged all parties to refrain from unilateral actions exacerbating tensions, condemning Israel’s settlement construction policy as a violation of international law and a significant barrier to lasting peace and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state. Both leaders underscored the integral link between Gaza’s future governance and a comprehensive political resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on a two-state solution.
Advocating for a decisive revival of the political process to implement the two-state solution, with Jerusalem as the capital for both Israel and Palestine, the joint statement reaffirmed China and France’s commitment to achieving lasting peace and security in the region. The leaders reiterated their dedication to promoting a political and diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue, emphasizing the importance of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency to uphold the international non-proliferation regime and foster peace in the Middle East.
The statement comes amid reports of Israeli military control over the Rafah crossing, a critical humanitarian gateway between Gaza and Egypt. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian expressed grave concern over Israel’s actions, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further humanitarian crises in Gaza. Jian emphasized that the Gaza conflict underscores the urgent need for adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2728, cessation of hostilities, resumption of humanitarian aid, and a return to the fundamentals of the two-state solution for the Palestinian issue.