Wang Yi Had a Phone Call with Bahraini Foreign Minister Zayani

People’s Finance News, April 2—On April 2, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held a phone call at the invitation of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s current chair, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Zayani. Zayani briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments in the situation in the Middle East and Bahrain’s position, saying that Gulf countries’ security is currently facing severe challenges, navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted, and Bahrain is willing to play a role through the United Nations Security Council to resolve the strait’s passage issues. Bahrain hopes to strengthen communication and coordination with China. Wang Yi expounded on China’s position on principles of opposing aggression and advocating peace. He said that China and Pakistan have recently issued the five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East regions, which includes calls to stop attacks on civilians and non-military targets, ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, and restore normal navigation. A ceasefire and halting the fighting are a common call from the international community. Actions by the UN Security Council should help ease the situation, stop the fighting, and resume negotiations, rather than endorse illegal acts of war, and certainly should not pour fuel on the flames. As a permanent member of the Security Council and a responsible major country, China is willing, together with Bahrain, to promote the cessation of hostilities, restore peace, achieve lasting regional stability, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of countries in the Global South—especially small and medium-sized countries.