On the afternoon of March 29, at the invitation of the International Press Center (IPC), the outgoing Special Envoy on the Middle East Question of China Ambassador Wang Shijie and his successor Ambassador Sun Bigan held a joint press conference for Chinese and foreign journalists and took questions.

Wang said that on the occasion of leaving off my post of China's Special Envoy on the Middle East Question I am very glad to meet with our journalist friends once again. Over the three years in the position I have paid a number of visits to the Middle East and held consultations with all parties concerned in the Middle East question on how to push forward the peace process in the region. If I may say that my efforts of fulfilling the mission are recognized by parties concerned, first of all it should be attributed to China's Middle East policy. China always holds a just and fair position on the Middle East question and the purpose of its Middle East policy is that the region realizes lasting peace and stability, which is not only in the interest of countries and people in the region but also conducive to world peace and prosperity. Secondly, I would like to thank the countries, governments and people in the Middle East for their trust and support for China's Middle East policy. During my 8 visits to the region and attending related international conferences I have personally felt the aspiration for peace of the countries in the region, especially the Palestinian and the Israeli people and the huge losses and tribulation suffered by the two peoples caused by the failure to solve the Middle East question at the earliest date possible.

Talking about any regret in my tenure, I should say that over three years no satisfactory progress of the Middle East peace process has yet been achieved and the Palestinian and the Israeli people are still suffering a lot. However, I never lose my confidence and believe that despite the difficulties the Middle East peace process will ultimately move ahead with the efforts of the two peoples and the support of the international community.

Sun said that it is both an honor and a heavy mission to be appointed as China's new Special Envoy on the Middle East Question. The Chinese government and people attach great importance to the relations and value the friendly cooperation with countries and people in the Middle East. The Middle East question has lasted for over half a century and years of turbulence have caused people in the region a great deal of pain. China has been working for building fair and lasting peace in the Middle East. China's appointment of the Special Envoy on the Middle East Question not only shows its attention to the question as a permanent member of the Security Council but also demonstrates the concern and sympathy of the Chinese government and people for the agony suffered by the countries and their people in the region. I will try my best to faithfully fulfill my mission and promote a peaceful solution through dialogue and make relentless efforts to realize fair and lasting peace in the Middle East at the earliest date possible.

Wang Shijie and Sun Bigan also took questions from the journalists.

On the question of China's strategic interest in the Middle East and role in the Middle East question, Wang said that peace in the Middle East is directly linked with world peace and stability. China needs a peaceful international environment to continue with its policy of reform and opening up. China enjoys solid traditional friendship and cooperation with all countries in the region and to develop the friendly and cooperative relations with them is in the interest of both sides. As a permanent member of the Security Council China assumes responsibility for world peace and security. It has taken an active part in related activities conducive to peace in the Middle East and supports the peaceful solutions of the question. Countries in the region all hope that China plays a more active role in the Middle East question.

As to the sticking point of realizing lasting peace in the Middle East, Wang noted that both the Palestinian and the Israeli people long for peace and the two governments and their leaders accept the choice of peaceful solution. However, the two sides have yet not built mutual trust up to now. Israel's concern about security is understandable and its existence as a state is a fact. However, the basic rights and interest of Palestine should be guaranteed. Palestine's demands including establishing a Palestinian state are legitimate and should be met. At present the key to solving the Middle East question is that both sides establish mutual trust, give up violence and come back to the negotiation table to really find the solution in line with the long-term interest of the two peoples.

On the question of China's attitude and position on the reign of Hamas, Sun said that the Chinese government always respects the choice of the people of related countries and regions. Hamas wining the election of Palestinian Legislative Council reflects the public opinion of Palestine, which the international community should respect and recognize. We hope that all parties concerned, especially Palestine and Israel insist on political negotiations and solve the Middle East question peacefully following related UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace" on the basis of the existing bilateral agreements. We will do anything that is conducive to resuming peace talks and promoting peace.

As to the question that the Israeli Kadima party won the parliamentary election, Sun noted that the result of Israeli election is the choice of the Israeli people. No matter which leader is elected or gets the majority the road of peace should be taken and problems be solved through negotiation. We have noticed some positive gestures from the party to which we extend welcome. It is hoped that all parties concerned in the Middle East question follow related UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace" and insist on the road of solving the question through peaceful negotiations.