Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
Published: December 22,2023
By Staff writer
The world today is focusing attention mainly on two armed conflicts namely; the Israel- Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine wars. It is difficult to know when both wars will end which have cost hundreds of human life, as well as millions of dollars in terms of resources. Wars are bad as they destroy both lives and economic development.
Early this week, Chinese envoy to the UN His Excellency Zhang Jun, told the Security Council briefing that achieving a ceasefire in Gaza was the most crucial priority. China has also advocated for a two-state solution as the way to end the decade’s long Israel-Palestine conflict, and the avenue towards achieving lasting peace. The Chinese envoy also observes that the two-state solution is also the broad consensus of the international community.
“China calls for the convening of an international peace conference that is larger in scale, scope, and effects and for the formulation of a timetable and a roadmap so that the two-state solution can truly be realized,” Zhang noted.
During a regular press briefing, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out, China has been committed to promoting a ceasefire, protecting the civilians and easing the humanitarian crisis. “I want to stress that China does not have selfish interests in the Middle East and does not seek to form exclusive blocs in the region. China always supports the people in Middle East countries in keeping the region’s future in their own hands.” It should be noted that on December 8, the US and Israel blocked the adoption of Security Council resolution, calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire”.
Regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine, China has remained neutral, while he U.S and European allies have taken sides and supported Ukraine with hundreds of millions of dollars in financial aid as well as supplying heavy military weapons and other technical support. This kind of approach by western countries does not help to solve the conflict but instead adds fuel to an already burning fire. Political analysts have pointed out that Ukraine is not fighting its own war but used by western countries in a proxy war with Russia.
On February 24, after one year of Russia-Ukraine conflict, China issued a position paper titled “China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis.” The paper outlined 12 points to consider namely;Respecting the sovereignty of all countries, Abandoning the Cold War mentality, Ceasing hostilities, Resuming peace talks, Resolving the humanitarian crisis, Protecting civilians and prisoners of war (POWs), Keeping nuclear power plants safe, Reducing strategic risks, Facilitating grain exports, Stopping unilateral sanctions, Keeping industrial and supply chains stable and Promoting post-conflict reconstruction. China was the only country that produced a comprehensive proposal towards stopping the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has been advocating a peaceful settlement of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. He also believes that war does not benefit anyone but instead countries need to focus on achieving their development goals.
China has consistently been neutral listening and arguing both sides to addresses broader international issues such as nuclear war, food security, and global strategic stability.
China is a world example of a super power that has not used its military might to bully and attack other countries. This puts China in the right position as a peacemaker and mediator in armed conflicts around the world.
