Ma Zhaoxu, Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that the "two-state solution" is essential to resolving the Palestine-Israel conflict when speaking at the UN Security Council's open debate on the Middle East situation on July 24.

The "fragile and tense" situation in Gaza and the risk of further escalation of violent conflict make the prospect of the "two-state solution" unclear, Ma said.

"'Two-state solution' is the fundamental way to resolve conflicts between Palestine and Israel," Ma said, adding that the international community should adhere to the relevant UN resolutions, the principle of "land for peace" and the Arab Peace Initiative in scaling up its efforts for the resumption of talks.

Concrete action should be taken to implement the Security Council Resolution 2334, cease all settlement activities in occupied territory and the demolition of Palestinian houses and property, and prevent violence against civilians, said Ma. He called on the international community to remain united in pushing for the early resumption of peace talks between the two sides.

Ma also said that China supports the convening of a new international conference on the question of Palestine, and exploring innovative mechanisms to facilitate peace in the Middle East to break the deadlock in Palestinian-Israeli talks as soon as possible.

He restated China's firm support for the establishment of an independent and fully sovereign state of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

At the opening ceremony of the Eighth Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum on July 10, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced another 100 million yuan ($15 million) in aid to Palestine in support of its economic development and the improvement of people's livelihood.

"China will continue to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Palestine and make an additional contribution of $2 million to UNWRA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East)," Ma said.

Ma reiterated that China stands ready to work with regional countries to enhance the alignment of strategies and action, and is committed to safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East.

Suggestions for Peace

Ma made four specific suggestions to address hotspot issues in the Middle East in a peaceful, just, constructive and inclusive manner:

First, we should stay committed to the political solution and facilitate dialogue and negotiations to avoid the vicious cycle of violence for violence;

Second, we should be impartial and avoid imposing compromise, so that stability can turn into lasting peace rather than the hiatus of turmoil;

Third, we should manage the situation in a constructive manner that takes into account both history and reality to build momentum for ending the violence and improving the situation;

Fourth, we should accommodate the legitimate rights and interests of all parties and refrain from making exclusive arrangements to build an open and stable framework for regional peace.

(Reporting from New York City)

Copyedited by Laurence Coulton

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