Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang at a press conference on the sidelines of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, China, March 7, 2023. (Photo: Xinhua News Agency/VNA)

In a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Qin expressed China’s concern about the ongoing tension between Israel and Palestine, emphasizing that the top priority now is to bring the situation under control, and prevent the conflict from escalating.

Qin said all parties should maintain calm and show restraint, insisting that the only way to resolve the conflict is to resume peace talks and implement a two-state solution.

"Israel is committed to easing the situation, but it is unlikely to be resolved in the short term," said Cohen. Israel hopes that China will play a bigger role in resolving the Iran nuclear issue, he added.

In his phone conversation with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, Qin affirmed Beijing’s support for the prompt resumption of peace talks.

The calls took place amid the normalization of Iran-Saudi Arabia relations, which was successfully mediated by China. That positive outcome provides a clear example of resolving disagreements through dialogue.