Wang Yi touts China's role as peacemaker, calls for Mid-East ceasefire

UNITED NATIONS - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi sought to burnish his country's credentials as a global peacemaker at the United Nations General Assembly on Sept 28, calling for a cessation of fighting in the Middle East and touting Beijing's diplomatic efforts in Russia's war in Ukraine.

Mr Wang spoke after Israel killed the leader of Iran-aligned Hezbollah with a massive air strike in Beirut on Sept 27, raising fears of a wider regional war in addition to the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza that began nearly a year ago.

“The question of Palestine is the biggest wound to human conscience. As we speak, the conflict in Gaza is still going on, causing more casualties with each passing day. Fighting has started in Lebanon again, but might cannot replace justice,” Mr Wang said.

“There must not be any delay in reaching a comprehensive ceasefire, and the fundamental way out lies in the two-state solution.”

China, the world's second-largest economy, has recently stepped up its involvement in various crises, seeking to rival Washington's traditional role as a global mediator.