¡¡BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhuanet) -- The Chinese government is constantly concerned about the Middle East peace process, and has made concrete efforts in this regard, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao in Beijing Tuesday at a regular press conference.

¡¡¡¡Vice Foreign Minister Yang Wenchang has just paid a visit to the Middle East where he held constructive talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and President Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian National Authority, contributing to the peace process in this area, said Liu.

¡¡¡¡Yang was quoted by Liu as saying China has always regarded Palestine to be at the core of the Middle East issue, and without a just solution to the Palestinian issue or the restoration of thePalestinian people's legal rights, there would be no security or peace in the area.

¡¡¡¡As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has taken a series of diplomatic actions to try to stop the Israel-Palestine conflict, ease tension in the area and guarantee Arafat's personal security, Liu said, noting that China will continue its moral support and assistance within its means for thejust cause of the Palestinian people. Enditem