The Middle East should not be subject to the threat of nuclear weapons. This is a common call from the countries of the region. The prolonged Palestinian-Israeli conflict has intensified the concerns of the international community and countries in the region over the Israeli nuclear issue. This issue should be given greater attention within the framework of NPT and IAEA, where serious discussions should be held. China calls upon countries in the region and the Nuclear-Weapons States should take up their due responsibilities and join the process of establishing a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction within the framework of the UN. 

Last month, China released the positions and views on the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East, emphasizing that the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East will help prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, ease tensions in the Middle East, and enhance peace and security in the region and the world. China will work with the international community to make contributions to striving for the early realization of the goal of establishing a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and promoting lasting peace and security in the Middle East.

China supports a realization of lasting ceasefire and real alleviation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inalienable part of the Palestinian territory. China firmly believes that "the Palestinians governing Palestine" is an important principle that must be upheld in the post-conflict governance of Gaza. China welcomes the IAEA Board of Governors' implementation of the IAEA General Conference resolution, by allowing Palestine to exercise its legitimate rights and participate in the work of the Board. China actively participates in the "Group Friends of Palestine" activities in Vienna and highly commends the positive communication between the IAEA Secretariat and the "Group Friends" regarding technical assistance to Palestine. We hope these efforts will soon benefit the Palestinian people.