Colleagues, 

I thank Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi for his briefing, and welcome the representative of the United Arab Emirates to this meeting.

Recently, facilities at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates were attacked by drones. Although the incident did not cause any casualties or any impact on radiation safety levels, this dangerous and irresponsible act has sounded the alarm for the international community. China expresses great concern over the incident, opposes armed attacks on nuclear facilities for peaceful purposes, and calls on all parties to abide by international law, including the Convention on Nuclear Safety, and to effectively safeguard the safety and security of nuclear power plants. The sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf must be fully respected, and civilians and non-military objects should be protected.

Colleagues, 

As long as the armed conflict continues, the safety risks it poses to regional nuclear facilities will persist. The current war in the Middle East originated from the illegal military attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran. Since its outbreak, the conflict has inflicted severe losses on the peoples of countries across the region, including Iran and Gulf states, severely disrupted global economic development, and harmed the shared interests of the international community. This war should never have happened in the first place. To find an early way to resolve the situation is in the interest of not only the US and Iran, but also regional countries and the rest of the world. I wish to make three points. 

First, there is a strong call for cessation of hostilities, and any resumption of fighting must be avoided. For some time now, the United States and Iran have on the whole maintained a ceasefire, but the risk of escalation remains. At this critical stage between war and peace, all parties must exercise maximum restraint, uphold the ceasefire arrangements, refrain from irresponsible threatening rhetoric and military adventurism, and make efforts to prevent a relapse into conflict and further escalation of tensions. The international community should send a clear and unequivocal message opposing any actions that undermine the ceasefire or escalate confrontation. 

Second, military means offers no way out, and dialogue and negotiation are the only right path forward. The recent US-Iran ceasefire and effort to explore resolving issues through negotiation are welcomed by regional countries and the international community. China encourages both sides to stay committed to a political solution and to continue settling their differences and disputes through negotiation, including on the nuclear issue, with a view to reaching a solution that accommodates the concerns of all parties. China commends Pakistan for its mediation efforts, and supports all parties in reaching a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible, enabling peace and stability to return to the Middle East and the Gulf region at an early date, and laying the foundation for building a sustainable security architecture for the region. 

Third, priority should be given to solving pressing issues and preventing the spread of negative effects. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is a demonstration of the spillover of the conflict. Disruptions to this vital shipping lane have severely affected global supply chains, international trade order, and energy security, with countries of the Global South bearing significant livelihood costs. China calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible on the basis of continued ceasefire, and believes that the fundamental solution to the stalemate in the Strait lies in achieving a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. We call on all parties concerned to respond promptly to the calls of the international community by taking proactive measures to restore normal passage through this Strait used for international navigation. We welcome the UN’s initiative to establish a dedicated task force for the Strait of Hormuz, and support a greater role to be played by the United Nations. 

Colleagues, 

Since the outbreak of the conflict, China has been actively working to end hostilities and promote peace. President Xi Jinping has put forward the four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. China and Pakistan have issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. China will continue to stay committed to the spirit of President Xi’s four-point proposition and work with the international community to play a constructive role in bringing an early end to hostilities and restoring peace and development in the Middle East.