China and France have both condemned violations of international humanitarian law, including all acts of terrorist violence and indiscriminate attacks against civilians.

The stance was reached at a three-day visit of the President, People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, between May 5 and 7 in France.

As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, both leaders said they are working towards finding constructive solutions based on international law, to the challenges and threats to international security and stability.

They both recalled the absolute imperative of protecting civilians in Gaza following international humanitarian law.

They consequently stressed that an immediate and sustainable ceasefire was needed to enable the delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip.

They also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and the guarantee of humanitarian access to meet their medical and other humanitarian needs, as well as respect for international law concerning all detainees.

They called for the immediate and effective implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions, especially the Security Council resolutions 2712, 2720, and 2728.

This, they believed, was the only credible way to guarantee peace and security for all and to ensure that neither Palestinians nor Israelis will suffer from the horrors they have experienced since the attack on October 7, 2023.

The two heads of state also called for the effective opening of all necessary corridors and crossing points to enable rapid, safe, sustainable and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip.

They called on all parties to refrain from unilateral measures on the ground that might aggravate tensions as well as decisive and irreversible relaunch of a political process to concretely implement the two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.

They further expressed deep concern over the risk of escalation in the region and called for the prevention of regional turbulence.
China and France at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a political and diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action concluded in 2015 is a major outcome of multilateral diplomacy.

The two countries are concerned about the risks of escalation.
They recalled the importance of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and facilitation of diplomatic efforts, and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the international non-proliferation regime and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

The two heads of state stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and called for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilian vessels to safeguard maritime security, and global trade, and prevent regional tensions as well as humanitarian and environmental risks.