Wang Yi Speaks with Israel's Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on the Phone

On April 6, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Israel's Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid at the latter's request.

Lapid said, both Israel and China are ancient nations that have fostered great civilizations, and both are now committed to accelerating the modernization process and have strong innovation capacity. The two sides understand and appreciate each other. Israel regards China as a friend and has always adhered to the one-China principle since the establishment of diplomatic ties. This position has never changed and has become an important basis for its relations with China. Israel expects to maintain close high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation in various fields with China.

Wang Yi said, the Chinese and Jewish nations have lent a helping hand to each other in history, and today we should support each other even more. China appreciates Israel's adherence to the one-China principle and understanding of China's legitimate propositions in safeguarding its core interests. China believes that Israel will continue to support China's efforts to safeguard sovereignty, security and development interests.

Wang Yi said, since the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago, especially since the establishment of the innovative comprehensive partnership between the two countries, bilateral cooperation in various fields has made significant progress. China is ready to work with Israel to follow the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, give full play to the economic complementarity of the two sides, and take innovation cooperation as an important propeller to constantly push for more new outcomes in bilateral relations.

Both sides agreed to speed up the negotiation and conclusion of the free trade agreement to send positive expectations and signals to the global economy that is struggling to recover.

The two sides exchanged views on the Palestinian question. Wang Yi said, China is glad to see Israel establish and develop normal and amicable relations with regional countries. This should be a part of the overall reconciliation in the Middle East. The prolonged impasse in the Israel-Palestine peace talks is not in the interests of all parties. Palestine also has the legitimate right to establish an independent state. China supports the early resumption of peace talks between Israel and Palestine on the basis of the "two-state solution", and hopes that the Arab and Jewish nations can coexist in harmony and Palestine and Israel can treat each other friendly to realize common security. Only common security can bring real security and sustainable security. China supports all efforts conducive to realizing peace in the Middle East and is ready to facilitate direct negotiations between the two sides. Lapid said, Israel is committed to improving relations with Palestine.

The two sides exchanged views on the Ukraine issue. Wang Yi introduced China's principled position, saying that all parties now hope to realize a ceasefire and restore peace. But for reaching a ceasefire, there should be no more acts that fan the flame and add fuel to the fire; for restoring peace, there should be no "maximum pressure". Dialogue and negotiation should be the right direction supported by all parties.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue, among others.