Speech of the Chinese Ambassador at the National Defense University

The Chinese Ambassador at the National Defense University: "We have always sought a ceasefire and the protection of Palestinian rights." Mr. Kong Peevy, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Iran, attended a meeting with professors and students at the National Defense University and stated, "We have always pursued a ceasefire in Palestine and the establishment of peace in the Middle East."

The Chinese Ambassador emphasized that countries can no longer solve issues such as disease outbreaks, energy shortages, combating terrorism, and economic problems alone, as the world is moving towards globalization. He stated, "The events of 2024 have created profound changes in international relations, and with the outbreak of war in Gaza, international peace and security have been disrupted."

He emphasized that since the beginning of the Gaza war, we have been advocating for a ceasefire and the rights of the Palestinians in international organizations. We hope for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the end of the conflict.

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China added that the Middle East belongs to its inhabitants and is not a competitive ground for the world. The international community must respect the people of this land. He also stated, "In 2024, we witnessed profound changes in the international landscape and other matters, and we expect transformation and chaos to occur in 2025. The choices made by countries around the world, especially major nations, will determine the course of our time and shape the future of the world. Unfortunately, since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, the Middle East has witnessed wave after wave of violence. The instability and recurring conflicts in the region have seriously impacted international peace and security."

In the continuation of his speech, the Chinese Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran stated: "Changes in international and regional conditions are not important for China. China will continue to develop its friendly cooperation with Iran without any alterations. China supports Iran in maintaining its national sovereignty, security, and dignity, as well as in its ongoing economic and social development and in improving and deepening friendly relations with neighboring countries. Strengthening coordination and cooperation between China and Iran is beneficial for both countries and contributes to regional and global peace, stability, and development."

He noted that China will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in 2025, stating: "Following Iran's official membership in the SCO, this will be the first time China acts as the rotating chair of the summit. China eagerly anticipates that Iran will play an important and positive role within the framework of the SCO and is willing to cooperate with Iran to enhance the organization and to play a greater role in this alliance."

He stated that over the past 24 years, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has transformed from a six-member organization into a larger family of 26 countries, becoming a regional cooperation organization with the largest geographical and demographic reach. He announced that the total area of the member countries of the SCO exceeds 36 million square kilometers, encompassing more than 65% of Eurasia, and that the population of the member countries currently exceeds 3.3 billion people, accounting for 42% of the world's total population.

The Chinese Ambassador referred to the term "Shanghai Spirit," considering it the key to the growth of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This spirit is rooted in adherence to fundamental principles such as mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and joint pursuit.

The Chinese Ambassador, referring to the increase in tariffs by the United States against China, stated: "The United States has recently announced tariff increases on all its trading partners, which includes more than 180 countries and regions around the world, including China and Iran, as well as some vulnerable economies recognized by the United Nations as developing countries. This severely violates the lawful rights and interests of all countries and significantly undermines the rules of the World Trade Organization and the multilateral trading system, disrupting the global economic order. The Chinese government strongly condemns such actions and firmly opposes them."

He added: "Certainly, the multilateral trading system and the established rules of the international community will not remain idle. The United States cannot act arbitrarily, and the wheels of history should not be turned back. China is a large, honest, and principled country, as well as a responsible member of the international community. China stands against U.S. hegemony, not only to safeguard its own lawful rights and interests but also to protect the common interests of the international community and to prevent humanity from reverting to a jungle world where the powerful prey on the weak. We are confident that the vast majority of countries committed to fairness and justice, including Iran, will stand on the right side of history and act in their own interests. The world must embrace fairness and reject U.S. hegemony!"