Chinese FM holds phone conversation with Blinken

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, calling for promoting the improvement and development of China-U.S. relations in a sound, stable and sustainable direction.

Blinken thanked Wang for visiting the U.S. Embassy in China to mourn the passing of former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said Dr. Kissinger always advocated for mutual respect between China and the U.S. and for both sides to fulfill their due international responsibilities. He repeatedly emphasized that the U.S. should fully understand the importance of the Taiwan question to China, Wang said.

“The diplomatic legacy Dr. Kissinger has left behind deserves to be carried forward and developed by future generations,” said Wang.

Noting that the meeting between the two heads of state in San Francisco holds landmark significance, Wang urged the two sides to consolidate the momentum of the stabilization of China-U.S. relations, adding that it is in the common interest of China and the U.S. and also the responsibility of the two major countries.

Wang emphasized China’s solemn stance on the Taiwan question, urging the U.S. not to interfere in China’s internal affairs or support any “Taiwan independence” forces.

The two sides exchanged views on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and agreed to maintain communication on the situation in the Middle East.

Ceasefire and cessation of war are the top priorities, Wang said, noting that major countries in particular should adhere to fairness and justice, uphold objectivity and impartiality, demonstrate calmness and rationality, and strive for the de-escalation of the tensions to prevent larger-scale humanitarian disasters.

Any solution to the current crisis in Gaza cannot deviate from the “two-state solution,” and any arrangement involving the future of Palestine should reflect the will of the Palestinian people, he stressed.

The Chinese side believes that the core of the solution is to respect Palestine’s right to statehood and self-determination, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to work with all parties to strive for this end.

Blinken spoke about his recent visit to the Middle East and the view of the U.S. on the development of the situation. He agreed that the “two-state solution” should be implemented.