Mr. Chair,

Since the outbreak of turmoil in the Middle East, China has upheld fairness and justice, maintained close communication with the main parties concerned, Gulf countries, and international partners, and made active efforts to de-escalate conflicts, promote ceasefires, and advance peace. President Xi Jinping has solemnly put forward a four-point proposal for maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. China and Pakistan have also proposed a five-point initiative on restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East regions. China will continue to uphold the spirit of President Xi’s four-point proposal, support Pakistan’s peace efforts, encourage the parties concerned to adhere to ceasefire negotiations and move toward each other, promote a comprehensive ceasefire, and restore peace and stability in the Middle East at an early date.

China believes that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all countries in the Middle East must be respected; civilians and non-military targets should be protected; and energy infrastructure must be preserved. As long as armed conflict continues, the safety and security of nuclear facilities in the region cannot be fully guaranteed.

Mr. Chair,

The current conflict in the Middle East originated from the illegal armed attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran. This conflict should never have occurred, and there is even less reason for it to continue. The most urgent priority is to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire. The international community should intensify efforts to promote peace, work together to reduce tensions, and in particular oppose actions that fuel the flames of conflict and aggravate tensions. The sooner a solution is found, the better it will be for the countries of the region and for the world as a whole.

China opposes armed attacks on nuclear power plants and other peaceful nuclear facilities. This has always been China’s consistent position. China is deeply concerned about the attack on facilities associated with the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates and firmly opposes such attacks. China calls on all parties to abide by international law, including the Convention on Nuclear Safety, effectively safeguard the safety of nuclear power plants, and resolutely prevent any man-made nuclear accident. At the same time, the military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iranian nuclear facilities under the safeguards and monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency constitute a serious violation of international law.

Mr. Chair,

China attaches great importance to the safety of nuclear facility and condemns all attacks against peaceful nuclear installations. Whether it is the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, or the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, none should be subjected to the threat of force. China supports the Agency and the Director General in strictly carrying out their responsibilities regarding nuclear safety, nuclear security, and safeguards in accordance with their mandates, and in playing their due role in ensuring the safety and security of peaceful nuclear facilities.

China stands ready to work together with the international community and play a constructive role in achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.