Zhang Jun, the Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, made a speech at the emergency open meeting of the Security Council on the Palestinian question in the Middle East on the 5th, calling for preventing further escalation of Palestinian Israeli tensions. Zhang Jun said that the Chinese side is deeply concerned that Israeli government officials have recently entered the compound of the Al Aqsa Mosque, increasing ground tensions. In recent years, unilateral actions in religious holy places in East Jerusalem have repeatedly intensified contradictions and confrontation, and triggered bloody conflicts for many times. This fully reflects the sensitivity of the nature and status of religious holy sites. At present, the situation on the ground is fragile and severe due to the actions of Israeli officials. China calls for restoring and maintaining peace and tranquility in religious holy places, and calls on all parties concerned to maintain calm and restraint to prevent further escalation of tensions. In particular, Israel should stop all incitement and provocations and avoid any unilateral actions that may lead to the deterioration of the situation. Zhang Jun said that China stands for upholding the international rule of law and abiding by the international consensus on the Jerusalem issue. The Security Council resolution unequivocally condemned all measures aimed at changing the composition, nature and status of the population of the territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. Relevant parties should, in accordance with the requirements of the Security Council and the General Assembly resolutions, earnestly safeguard the historical status quo of the religious holy sites in Jerusalem, and earnestly respect Jordan's jurisdiction over the religious holy sites. China has noted that Israeli leaders have expressed their commitment to maintaining the status quo of the Holy Land, and hopes that relevant commitments can be implemented into constructive policies and actions. Zhang Jun said that the fundamental reason for the repeated Palestinian Israeli tensions is that the "two country plan" has not been implemented. Facts have proved once again that piecemeal crisis management and control cannot play an effective role, nor can it replace a comprehensive and fair solution. The international community should enhance its sense of urgency, promote the resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel as soon as possible on the basis of the "two State solution", resolve Jerusalem and other final status issues, and achieve Palestine Israel peaceful coexistence at an early date. Countries with important influence in this regard should take responsibility and play a constructive role. Zhang Jun said that China supports the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. China will continue to work with the international community to make positive contributions to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question and lasting peace and common security in the Middle East. (Liu Xinshe)