An East Asian perspective on West Asia, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.
The Center for National Strategy (USMER) has organized an international conference on the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea on July 18 and 19 in Istanbul, Türkiye. Today, we present the speech of Cong Song, Minister of the Chinese in Türkiye.
Distinguished guests and friends：
The current international landscape is turbulent and volatile. Instability and uncertainty are becoming increasingly pronounced. The deficits in peace, development, security, and governance are growing, posing the grave risk of a global regression to the “law of the jungle.” In the face of formidable global challenges, President Xi Jinping, with a global vision and bearing in mind the well-being of all humanity, proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, calling on countries to adapt to the profoundly changing international landscape in the spirit of solidarity, and address the complex and intertwined security challenges with a win-win mindset. The three Initiatives sets the direction for countries to jointly tackle common challenges.
In an era marked by turbulence and transformation, Asian countries have earnestly drawn upon historical experiences, opposing hegemonic power politics, safeguarding the post-war international order, and bolstering stability for world peace and development.
Firstly, we persist in promoting peace talks and resolving hot issues peacefully. Neither war nor sanction is a fundamental solution to disputes, dialogue, and consultation are the most effective ways to resolve differences. Support should be extended to the parties involved to settle their disputes and differences through dialogue and consultation. The international community should speak up for justice, cool down hotspots and deflate tensions. China successfully facilitated the historic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, setting an example for resolving long-standing conflicts and achieving good-neighborly relations. Regarding the Ukraine crisis, China has consistently acted in a responsible manner. China initiated the Group of Friends for Peace at the United Nations together with Brazil and other Global South countries. We released the position paper China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, playing a constructive role in facilitating peace talks and de-escalating the situation. Türkiye has been actively engaged in mediation efforts, facilitating the conclusion of The Black Sea Grain Initiative between Russia and Ukraine, hosted two rounds of direct talks between the two parties, and is actively preparing for a third round. Following the escalation of the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both China and Türkiye firmly support the “Two-State Solution” and actively pushed for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the prevention of a humanitarian catastrophe. After the Iran-Israel conflict broke out, BRICS also issued a joint statement actively calling for a ceasefire, an end to hostilities, and prevention of further escalation of tensions. Furthermore, Asian countries are actively exploring new approaches to conflict mediation. We’re jointly advancing the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation, contributing to the peaceful resolution of disputes and fostering friendly cooperation among nations.
Secondly, upholding the principle of solidarity and cooperation to practice true multilateralism. Confronted with complex and grave international circumstances, we have steadfastly upheld the principle of true multilateralism. We remain committed to preserving the international system with the United Nations at its core, safeguarding the international order underpinned by international law, and maintaining the rules-based multilateral trading system. We have replaced bloc confrontation with inclusive collaboration, shattered small circles with greater solidarity, and continuously enhanced mutual trust. As a founding member of the United Nations, China has acceded to nearly all universal intergovernmental organizations and over 600 international conventions and amendments. We consistently support the UN in playing a central role in international affairs. Türkiye, likewise, a founding member of the UN, stands as one of the major contributors to the UN budget and has made significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.
Thirdly, ensuring sustainable development as the foundation for advancing lasting security. We are committed to promoting sustainable security through sustainable development: improving people’s livelihoods, revitalizing economies, and resolving conflicts through development to eliminate root causes of instability. This includes: Advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation toward greater depth and substance; Promoting implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; Expanding practical cooperation in non-traditional security areas including counterterrorism, cybersecurity, AI governance, disaster prevention, and public health. As Türkiye’s foremost economic partner in Asia and globally, China stands ready to deepen synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Türkiye’s Middle Corridor Initiative, while expanding cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors.
Dear friends, China stands ready to work with all parties to follow through on the Initiatives, jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind and ushering in a future of enduring peace and universal security!