UN Security Council actions must not provide legal cover for unauthorised military operations, nor should they heighten tensions or escalate conflict, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

Wang made the remarks in a phone conversation with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission.

Kallas shared her views on the situation in the Middle East and commended China's active diplomatic mediation efforts to ease the situation, including the latest five-point joint initiative issued by China and Pakistan for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.

The European side has not been involved in this war but has suffered from its spillover effects, she said, expressing hope for a swift de-escalation of the war and a resumption of dialogue and negotiations.

Europe supports UN humanitarian operations, the protection of civilians and non-military targets, and will make every effort to ensure the opening of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, she said.

Amid the current international turmoil, Wang said, it is the shared responsibility of China and Europe to step up communication and exchanges and uphold the UN-centred international system and the international order based on international law.

Wang elaborated on China's principled position on the Middle East situation, noting that the five-point initiative proposed by China and Pakistan reflects a broad international consensus that calls for a cessation of hostilities, the start of peace talks as soon as possible, ensuring the security of non-military targets and security of shipping lanes, and safeguarding the primacy of the UN charter.

The international community has made strong calls for a ceasefire and an end to hostilities as well as for a fundamental solution to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Wang said, adding that all parties should build a greater consensus and create the necessary conditions to that end.

The UN Security Council actions should focus on cooling down the situation and de-escalating tensions, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to maintain communication and co-operation with the European side to promote an early end to hostilities and restore regional peace.

The two sides also exchanged views on China-EU relations, with Wang saying that China's development represents opportunities for Europe and that the challenges Europe faces do not originate from China.

Protectionism does not enhance competitiveness, and decoupling from China means decoupling from opportunities, Wang said, expressing hope that the European side will develop a comprehensive and objective perception of China and maintain the correct direction of China-EU relations.

The European side, Kallas said, views China as an important partner for co-operative efforts, does not seek decoupling from China, and looks forward to maintaining dialogue and communication between the two sides. (Xinhua)



Edited by Thomas McAlinden