China dismisses claim of filling power vacuum in Middle East

Vice-Foreign Minister Deng Li dismissed on Monday the claim that China is filling the so-called power vacuum in the Middle East left by the United States, saying that the Middle East is a land of its own people and issues there should be resolved by countries in the region, and their people through negotiations.

"You noticed recently that China's diplomatic activities in the Middle East are more active. Our efforts in promoting peace in the region have never been absent," Deng told reporters at a press briefing in Beijing.

Deng said that China has been firmly supporting the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights and supporting the two-state solution since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.