China has called for an immediate cessation of military operations in Gaza, urging all parties involved to prioritize civilian protection and take concrete steps to implement relevant UN resolutions, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
China's call for a ceasefire follows the UN General Assembly's (UNGA) overwhelming vote in favor of a resolution demanding an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory within 12 months. The resolution, adopted with 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, marked the first time Palestine, as a UN observer, had submitted a resolution draft to the UNGA.
China, which voted in favor of the resolution, expressed its support and hope for its full implementation, according to Lin.
"It has been one year since the outbreak of this round of Gaza conflict. Despite the UN General Assembly holding four emergency sessions, the Security Council adopting four resolutions, and the International Court of Justice issuing 'provisional measures,' the fighting in Gaza continues. The number of innocent civilian casualties is rising daily, leading to a severe humanitarian disaster," said Lin.
"Ending the occupation is not a choice but an obligation. A ceasefire is not merely the demand of one nation but represents an international consensus. The implementation of a two-state solution is the only viable path to resolve the Palestinian issue. All parties concerned, especially Israel, should earnestly execute the relevant resolutions from the Security Council and the General Assembly, cease military operations in Gaza, and halt illegal settlement activities in the West Bank. Relevant countries should take a responsible attitude and concrete actions to promote the implementation of relevant UN resolutions," said Lin.
"China will continue to stand on the side of peace and justice with the vast majority of countries. We will maintain close communication with all parties and play a positive and constructive role in promoting a ceasefire, alleviating the humanitarian crisis, restoring regional peace and stability, and working towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue at an early date," said Lin.
China urges concrete actions to implement UN resolutions on Gaza ceasefire: spokesman
China urges concrete actions to implement UN resolutions on Gaza ceasefire: spokesman
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition