On April 2, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission Kaja Kallas upon request.

Kallas presented her views on the Middle East situation, appreciating China’s active diplomatic mediation to de-escalate tensions, including the recent five-point initiative jointly released by China and Pakistan for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. The EU is not involved in the conflict but has been affected by its spillover, and hopes to see an early de-escalation and a return to dialogue and negotiations. The EU supports the United Nations’ humanitarian efforts and the protection of civilians and non-military targets, and will fully ensure the open and safe passage of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Wang Yi stated that the current international situation is unstable, and it is the shared responsibility of China and Europe to strengthen communication and uphold the international system centered on the United Nations and the international order based on international law. Wang Yi elaborated on China’s principled position on the Middle East situation, noting that the China-Pakistan five-point initiative reflects broad international consensus, with the core being cessation of hostilities, an early start to peace talks, protection of non-military targets, security of maritime passages, and upholding the primacy of the UN Charter. A ceasefire is a strong global demand and the fundamental solution to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. All parties should build greater consensus and create necessary conditions toward this end. The actions of the UN Security Council should aim to ease tensions, not legitimize unauthorized military operations, and must not further intensify conflicts or trigger escalation. China stands ready to maintain communication and cooperation with the European side to promote an early end to hostilities and restore regional peace.

‌The two sides also exchanged views on China-Europe relations. Wang Yi stated that China’s development is an opportunity for Europe, and the challenges Europe faces do not stem from China; protectionism cannot enhance competitiveness, and decoupling from China means disconnecting from opportunity. He hoped the European side would establish a comprehensive and objective understanding of China, and safeguard the right direction of China-Europe relations. Kallas stated that the EU regards China as an important partner, does not seek to decouple from China, and looks forward to maintaining dialogue and communication with China.