Editorial

China supports Arab countries finding their own way within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council to eliminate the existing differences among the Gulf states, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

Wang spoke as he unveiled China’s three-point position regarding the lingering Gulf crisis during his meeting with Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, the visiting minister of state of the United Arab Emirates.

Observers have warned of the spreading impact of the crisis and rifts within the six GCC members as the monthlong diplomatic standoff continues between Qatar and countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain.

As good friends and partners of the Gulf countries, China hopes and believes that the crisis will be properly addressed, Wang said.

One of the three points is that China supports an early start of dialogue by all parties involved to demonstrate flexibility and reach consensus over the initial, general goal of opposing terrorism in any form, Wang said. Then the countries could work on other easy problems before moving on to the tougher ones, Wang added.

China thinks that all parties involved, including the UAE, are capable of successfully managing and controlling the current situation and have the wisdom to resolve divergences and contradictions.

Beijing is willing to play a constructive role when needed by the parties to ease the Gulf situation and promote area peace and stability, Wang said.

Touching on another point, Wang said China calls on countries involved to stick to political and diplomatic settlements, act in accordance with the norms of international relations and fulfill their respective international duties. Another point is that regional outsiders should play a constructive role in achieving a reconciliation, Wang added.

During the meeting, Al-Jaber said China is an influential major country with a sense of responsibility, and the UAE endorses the objective and fair position of China regarding Gulf affairs.

The UAE agrees with the three-point position stated by Wang and is ready to continue communication and coordination with China, he said. Al-Jaber said his country sticks to political and diplomatic settlements for resolving differences and has no intention of interfering in the domestic affairs of other countries, including Qatar.

The UAE does not expect further escalation of tension, and hopes all parties involved will achieve consensus in major issues including the fight against terrorism, he said.

The GCC consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.