Israel – US War against Iran: China’s Principle Stand Dr. Syed Mehboob Senior Business and Political Analyst http//: www.thenewslark.com Email:[email protected] The Chinese are peace-loving people. They believe in coexistence, cooperation, friendship, partnership, trade, and investment. Its 2000-year history tells us that it never invaded other countries. It always paved the way for peace, development, progress and prosperity for its friends and partners. Recent Israel and US attacks on Iran jeopardized the global peace and almost all the countries trade and economy have been affected badly. Us attacked on a girl school in Iran and killed 177 innocent girls which indeed heart breaking and peace loving people all over the world condemned it. China as a global leader of peace has taken a very balanced and principle stand on the issue. The member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi explained Chinese position on the situation in Iran. Wang Yi noted, the situation in Iran is the focal point in the current international situation. China’s attitude on this issue is objective and impartial. China has stated its principled position on multiple occasions, which can be summarized into one key message, that is, to bring about ceasefire and end hostilities. Ancient Chinese wisdom warns that weapons are ominous tools and should not be used without discretion. The Middle East is engulfed in flames. This is a war that should not have happened—it is a war that does no one any good. The history of the Middle East tells the world time and again that force provides no solution and armed conflict will only increase hatred and breed new crises. Once again, China calls for an immediate stop to military operations to avoid the spiraling escalation of the situation and prevent the conflict from spilling over and spreading. China is of the view that to find the right and proper solution to the issues relating to Iran and the Middle East, the following fundamental principles must be observed: First, respecting national sovereignty. Sovereignty is the cornerstone of the current international order. China believes that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Iran and all countries in the Gulf region should be respected and must not be violated. Second, rejecting the abuse of force. Might does not make right. The law of the jungle must not return and rule the world. Willful use of force does not prove one’s strength. Civilians are innocent and should not be victimized. Third, noninterference in internal affairs. The people in the Middle East are the true master of this region. Middle Eastern affairs should be determined by regional countries independently. Plotting color revolution or seeking regime change will find no popular support. Fourth, promoting political settlement of hotspot issues. China always believes that peace is the most precious. All sides should return to the negotiating table as quickly as possible, resolve differences through equal dialogue, and make efforts for realizing common security. Fifth, major countries should play a constructive role and use their strengths in goodwill. Another ancient Chinese adage reads, “When benevolence and justice are not practiced, the position of strength shifts.” Major countries should act in the spirit of justice and righteousness and contribute more positive energy to peace and development of the Middle East. China stressed that as a sincere friend and strategic partner, China stands ready to work with Middle Eastern countries to implement the Global Security Initiative, and restore order to the Middle East, restore tranquility to the people, and restore peace to the world.
The Global South refers to a diverse group of developing, less developed, or underdeveloped nations, primarily located in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania. Often characterized by shared colonial histories, economic dependency, and a push for political autonomy, this term acts as a post-Cold War alternative to "Third World" or "developing" nations. It generally comprises over 100 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, which are frequently contrasted with the developed "Global North" (USA, Canada, Europe, etc.). Many Global South countries are increasingly asserting their independence, engaging in non-alignment, and forming alliances like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). The group represents a huge portion of the world population (roughly 88% outside of the West) and is gaining influence by acting independently of Western foreign policy in areas such as trade and regional development. The collective rise of the Global South is the distinct hallmark of the great transformation unfolding in the world. Over the past 40 years, its share of global economy has grown from 24 percent to over 40 percent. It has become a key driver of multipolarity in the world. Right now, hegemonism and power politics are asserting themselves and dealing a heavy blow to international order. China wants the Global South countries should increase communication and coordination, jointly defend its legitimate rights and interests, and work together to expand the space for independent development. Since the Global South is an emerging, positive force for good on the international stage. In a changing and more turbulent world, countries should forge greater confidence and unity, pull together and jointly champion peace, development, cooperation and win-win outcomes. China stresses good use of important platforms, such as the BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Group of 77 and China, to speak up for peace and empower development. China believes that multilateralism is vital for Global South countries. It urges that countries of global south should encourage the international community to practice true multilateralism and uphold the U.N.-centered international system and must always ensure that world affairs are discussed and handled by all nations, and international rules formulated by all countries. The Global South needs an open and cooperative international environment for development. It should advocate a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, foster an open world economy, firmly uphold the multilateral trading system, and promote openness to share opportunities and achieve win-win outcomes. China stressed that its heart is with the Global South; China’s root is in the Global South. It is ready to join hands with other Global South countries to journey on toward modernization and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. China’s stand on Palestine and Gaza is also principled and it believes that the situation in Gaza tests the very foundation of international justice. The international efforts that enabled the ceasefire are welcome, but hard work still lies ahead to consolidate the ceasefire, advance reconstruction, and find a comprehensive and lasting solution to the question of Palestine. China has the notion that there is only one equitable and widely-recognized solution to the Palestinian question, which is the two-State solution. Any other arrangements or new mechanisms must reinforce—rather than undermine—the two-State solution. The international community should not allow the Palestinian question to be marginalized again. The U.N. has a greater responsibility to play a lead role in driving the process. Chinese leadership stressed that turmoil and war need not be the fate of the Palestinian people. Like people elsewhere, they have a legitimate right to be free from war and to enjoy peace and development. As a responsible major country, China will continue to support Palestine’s just cause of pursuing legitimate national rights and facilitate international efforts to restore justice to the Palestinian people. |