2025-03-16T21:37:32+00:00
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, China’s diplomatic mission in Iraq
outlined its positions on regional developments, trade relations, and foreign
policy during a media briefing at the Chinese consulate.
China’s Consul General in Erbil, Jiu Jun, described Iraq as
a key economic partner, particularly as a major energy supplier. He emphasized
that Iraq could benefit from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which
includes infrastructure projects and trade corridors.
“Iraq has access to our logistics networks under the Belt
and Road Initiative. There are significant opportunities for infrastructure
development and trade routes that could benefit the country,” he stated.
He urged both the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal
government to align their economic plans with the BRI to attract greater
Chinese investment and expertise.
“Beyond infrastructure, Iraq can gain from partnerships in
petrochemicals and smart agriculture, which have strong economic potential,” he
added.
On Gaza and Syria
Jun reaffirmed China’s commitment to peace and stability in
the region through dialogue and negotiation.
He stressed the prolonged suffering in Gaza, noting that the
world sympathizes deeply with its people. The war in Gaza, he added, has caused
immense destruction and loss of life, and China hopes for a lasting ceasefire
and a return to peace.
He also emphasized China’s strong support for reconstruction
efforts in Gaza, underlining that the region should not be used as a political
bargaining chip. “Gaza must remain in the hands of its people,” he
asserted.
Jun pointed out China’s ongoing diplomatic efforts in the
region, including past mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and its work to
facilitate Palestinian reconciliation.
Regarding Syria, he observed the country’s political
transition and expressed hope for stability through national reconciliation.
“The new Syrian government must ensure all factions are
included in the dialogue and the new constitution,” he urged. “Syria should not
become a haven for terrorist groups, as that would be dangerous for everyone.”
On China-US Relations
Jun characterized US-China relations as strained,
attributing the tension to Washington’s approach to trade and foreign policy.
“As two major powers, we should maintain mutual respect, but
the US remains stuck in a Cold War mentality,” he explained.
He criticized Washington’s recent decision to impose a 20%
tariff on Chinese imports, calling it unfair. “China will respond with equal
tariffs on American goods,” he added.
On Taiwan
China’s stance on Taiwan remains firm.
Jun reaffirmed that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China,
and any attempts toward independence are unacceptable. He stressed that Beijing
continues to seek peaceful reunification. However, if Taiwan’s authorities
continue to pursue a hostile course toward independence, China would not
hesitate to use force to prevent it.
