The Chinese government on Friday promised to work closely with the international community to ensure sustainable peace and stability in the Middle East.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the international community to promote the green environment and protect the blue planet.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, made this known at the regular virtual news conference organised by the ministry in Beijing, China.

He commended the recent agreement reached between Israel and Hamas to ensure a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and to release people being held.

Mr Guo said, “Since the outbreak of the current round of conflict in Gaza, China has been calling for an early ceasefire and working actively for de-escalation, protection of civilians, and humanitarian assistance.

“China supports the implementation of the ceasefire deal and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza and make a strong effort for the resumption of post-war reconstruction.

“We also sincerely hope that relevant parties will take the ceasefire in Gaza as an opportunity to further de-escalate the tensions in the region.

“China will work with the international community to make an unremitting effort for peace and stability in the Middle East.”

He said China’s partnership with the international community would further contribute to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

He spoke on China’s achievements in climate response to having realised nationally determined contribution targets on rolling out climate mitigation policies and cutting emissions, in line with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) 4th biennial report.

The spokesperson described climate change as a major global challenge, saying China attaches great importance to climate response and is one of the first countries to become a party to the UNFCCC and sign and ratify the Paris Agreement.

“The two reports that China submitted recently reflect its transparency and professionalism in information sharing and showcased various dimensions of China’s policies, measures, results, and experience in climate governance.

“The reports offer a glimpse of China’s resolve in and actions on actively responding to climate change and deeply engaging in global climate governance. China has never stopped promoting green development.

“The reports mentioned that in 2021, CO2 emissions per unit of GDP dropped by 50.9 percent compared with 2005 (the base year of nationally determined contributions).

“As public data shows, at the end of 2023, China’s installed renewable energy capacity surpassed the thermal power capacity for the first time in history.

“China has never let up in its effort to promote global low-carbon transition. In 2023 alone, the wind and photovoltaic products exported by China helped relevant countries cut 810 million tonnes of CO2,” he stated.

He restated that climate change requires a global response, saying China is ready to partner with all parties to uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, practice true multilateralism, and promote green development to protect the blue planet.

(NAN)