By Yu Jinsong, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Morocco The situation in Iran has moved to the forefront of international headlines, while peace in the Middle East and global stability once again stand at a decisive crossroads. Recently, Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, systematically presented his country's position during a press conference held on the sidelines of China's "Two Sessions" meetings in 2026. He outlined five fundamental principles that should guide international action: respect for national sovereignty, rejection of the use of force, adherence to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, the political settlement of hot-spot issues, and the constructive role that major powers must play. This is not merely a Chinese appeal for peace; it also reflects the shared aspirations of much of the international community. The history of the Middle East has repeatedly shown that force is not the solution and that hostilities generate nothing but deeper hatred and new crises. A political settlement remains the only viable way forward, and diplomatic negotiation is the right choice. Although the path may be long and arduous, it is one that deserves sustained effort. First, respect for national sovereignty is essential to strengthening the foundations of peace. Minister Wang Yi made it clear that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran—as well as the sovereignty of countries in the Persian Gulf region—must be respected and must not be violated under any circumstances. Any action that disregards the sovereignty of others and tramples on international law can only sow the seeds of hatred, deepen divisions, and prolong instability. Upholding sovereignty and mutual respect is the only way to create the basic conditions necessary for dialogue and negotiations and to lay a solid foundation for lasting peace. Second, the abuse of force must be rejected and the "law of the jungle" firmly opposed. Wang Yi stressed that might does not make right and that the world must not return to a system governed by brute force. Resorting easily to military power does not demonstrate real strength; instead, it pushes innocent civilians into the abyss of war and makes them its greatest victims. All indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non-military targets must therefore be condemned. The international community must stand together against power politics and military adventurism and restore the primacy of rationality and the rule of law. Third, the principle of non-interference in internal affairs must be upheld, allowing the peoples of the region to determine their own future. The peoples of the Middle East are the rightful stewards of this ancient land, and the destiny of the region should be decided independently by its own nations. Wang Yi emphasized that attempts to incite so-called "color revolutions" or impose regime change will not receive support. External interference and efforts to impose "democratic transformation" by force have not brought stability or prosperity; rather, they have fractured societies and planted the seeds of long-term instability. Addressing the region's challenges requires respecting the decisive role of regional countries and enabling them—through equal consultation—to seek development paths and solutions suited to their own national circumstances. Fourth, hot-spot issues must be resolved through political means and through a return to dialogue. Wang Yi called on all parties to swiftly return to the negotiating table, resolve differences through equal dialogue, and work together toward collective security. From the very first day that hostilities erupted, China clearly called for a ceasefire, an end to fighting, and a return to dialogue and negotiations in pursuit of a political solution. Over the past ten days, Wang Yi has held phone conversations with foreign ministers from several countries, including parties to the conflict, as part of diplomatic good-offices efforts. Meanwhile, the Chinese government's special envoy to the Middle East has been conducting intensive visits across the region to facilitate mediation. These actions demonstrate China's determination, as a responsible major power, to work for peace. The immediate priority, however, remains the cessation of all military operations in order to open a window of opportunity for diplomatic efforts. Fifth, major powers must play a constructive role and use their influence in good faith to safeguard peace. Wang Yi cited an ancient Chinese proverb: "When compassion and justice are absent, the balance between offense and defense collapses." He warned that major powers must uphold justice and take the right path in order to inject more positive energy into the cause of peace and development in the Middle East. Major powers possess greater resources and broader influence and therefore bear greater international responsibilities. These responsibilities do not mean forming blocs, imposing alignments, or fueling conflicts to serve narrow geopolitical interests. Rather, they require respect for international law, support for the authority of the United Nations, efforts to defuse tensions, and the building of bridges for peace. Amid the flames of war, there are no winners. The international community—especially countries with significant influence—must abandon zero-sum thinking and the ideology of the Cold War, and immediately undertake constructive efforts to achieve a ceasefire, end the fighting, and de-escalate tensions. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a sincere friend of the countries of the Middle East, China stands ready to work with all parties to mobilize collective efforts to stop the war and advance peace—replacing confrontation with dialogue and coercion with consultation—so that peace may truly be given a chance and calm may return to the Middle East.
