China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls for Mideast ceasefire, hits trade sanctions
In speech at UN, Wang Yi positions China as global peacemaker, warns against countries inciting confrontation in Asia
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, the Chinese foreign minister issued a strong rebuke of hegemony and trade protectionism as he championed an equal and just global order.
Wang also called for a ceasefire in the Middle East after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an overnight Israeli air strike – a major escalation of their conflict.
“Today, the sovereignty of all countries in the world is equal, a large number of countries in the Global South are thriving, and the era when one or two major powers had the final say is gone forever,” Wang said.
“In the face of unilateral bullying of sanctions and blockades, China firmly supports all countries in defending their legitimate rights,” Wang said. “We jointly oppose technological blockades and resist decoupling and breaking of [supply] chains.”
He added that sanctions and pressure will not bring monopoly advantages. “Suppression and containment cannot solve difficulties at home. The Chinese people’s right to pursue a better life is inalienable,” he said, adding that China would further expand its reform and opening-up economic policies.
