On the evening of January 4, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to fully exchange views and coordinate positions on the current tension in the Gulf region and the cooperation between the two sides in the UN Security Council.

Wang noted that China is closely following the flare-up of US-Iran conflict and opposes the abuse of force in international relations and unacceptable military adventurism. China maintains that all parties should earnestly abide by the purposes of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations, that Iraq's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity should be respected, and that peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region should be maintained. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia shoulder important responsibilities to international peace and security. The two sides should strengthen strategic communication, jointly uphold international law, international equity and justice, and play a responsible role in properly handling the current situation in the Middle East.

Lavrov said that Russia and China share the same position. The US act violates international law and should be condemned. Russia stands against grossly trampling on other country’s sovereignty, especially through unilateral military operations. Russia will work in close coordination with China to play a constructive role in preventing escalation of regional tensions.

The two also discussed latest developments on hotspot issues including Libya and Syria and agreed to maintain close communication to safeguard global strategic stability.