April 8, 2024
Mr. President:
On March 22, China, together with Algeria and Russia, voted against the draft resolution on the situation in Gaza proposed by the United States in the Security Council. China’s decision is based on safeguarding international justice, the purpose and dignity of the United Nations Charter, and the responsibility and authority of the Security Council. It also fully takes into account the serious concerns and strong dissatisfaction of Arab countries with this draft.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, the international community has formed an overwhelming call for a ceasefire and an end to the war, and is eagerly awaiting substantive action by the Security Council. However, the United States, as a country with important influence on the parties concerned, has repeatedly blocked the Security Council’s voice on the ceasefire, and has vetoed the Security Council’s efforts to promote an immediate ceasefire four times. Afterwards, the United States proposed a draft resolution, but it was vague on the core issue of ceasefire and played word games. In essence, it attempted to set preconditions for the ceasefire and blackmail the Security Council into endorsing its wrong policy propositions. The U.S. draft resolution deviates from the existing consensus among Security Council members and runs counter to the expectations of the international community. If passed, it means that the killings in Gaza will continue, and the violations of international law and international humanitarian law will continue. China will not hesitate to exercise its veto power against such a draft resolution that will bring serious consequences. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China has shouldered its responsibilities bravely and won widespread support from the international community.
Facts have proven that it was China and relevant countries who adhered to principles, upheld justice and resolutely exercised their veto that forced the United States to realize that it could not and could no longer continue to obstruct the Security Council from taking key steps in the right direction and paving the way for the subsequent adoption of ten non-permanent resolutions by the Security Council. Resolution 2728 proposed by the Security Council members called for an immediate ceasefire, which cleared obstacles and created conditions. China’s exercise of its veto power is consistent with the efforts of the overwhelming majority of members of the Security Council and can stand the test of history.
Mr. President,
Resolution 2728 is the first resolution passed by the Security Council explicitly calling for an immediate ceasefire more than five months after the conflict in Gaza broke out. Comprehensive implementation of the resolution’s requirements is the most urgent task at present. Security Council resolutions are binding and must be fully implemented. This is an obligation stipulated in the United Nations Charter and a commitment made by every country when joining the United Nations. This is beyond doubt and cannot be challenged. Incredibly, as soon as Resolution 2728 was passed, the US representative declared on the spot that the resolution was not binding. The words and deeds of the United States are inconsistent with its status as a permanent member of the Security Council, desecrate the responsibilities it should bear as a member of the Security Council, and seriously damage the authority and credibility of the Security Council.
Here, we urge Israel to solemnly fulfill its obligations as a member state of the United Nations, earnestly abide by the requirements of Security Council resolutions, immediately stop the military attack on Gaza, stop the collective punishment of the Gaza people; immediately lift the blockade of Gaza and the artificial restrictions on the access of humanitarian supplies We will fully cooperate with the opening of all land ports.
Here, we urge the United States, as a permanent member of the Security Council, to earnestly assume its responsibilities, safeguard the authority of the Security Council, conscientiously implement and promote Israel’s comprehensive implementation of Security Council Resolution 2728. We support the Security Council in taking further necessary actions based on the development of the situation.
Here, we are also deeply worried that if the Security Council resolutions cannot be implemented in a timely and effective manner and the conflict in Gaza continues to be prolonged, its negative spillover effects will be further intensified. China strongly condemns the recent air strikes on Iranian diplomatic buildings in Syria. Such behavior, which blatantly violates international law and attacks diplomatic institutions, is not only completely unacceptable, but will also greatly increase the risk of the regional situation getting out of control.
Mr. President,
The crux of the protracted resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli issue is that the “two-state solution” has not been implemented. China supports Palestine becoming a full member of the United Nations. Pakistan has requested the Security Council to resume consideration of Pakistan’s application, and China supports the Security Council in taking action on this matter as soon as possible.
Thank you, Chairman.