China and Russia Veto U.S. Draft Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire at UN Security Council
The United Nations Security Council on Friday rejected a U.S. draft resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire after China and Russia exercised their vetoes. China criticized the draft for being ambiguous about an immediate ceasefire and setting preconditions that effectively allow continued violence.
China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, emphasized that an “immediate ceasefire is the basic premise” for saving lives, expanding humanitarian access, and preventing further conflict. “The council has dragged its feet and wasted too much time in this regard,” Zhang stated during his remarks following the vote.
Calls for Unconditional Ceasefire
With over 160 days passed since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, resulting in more than 32,000 civilian deaths and millions facing famine, Zhang stressed the urgency of promoting an “immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire.” Invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter, he highlighted this as the “universal call” of the international community.
Criticism of U.S. Draft Resolution
Zhang pointed out that the U.S. draft was “unbalanced in many aspects,” particularly regarding Israel’s declarations of planned military actions. “The draft did not clearly oppose such actions, sending a very wrong signal with serious consequences,” he said. The Chinese ambassador noted that the draft remained “ambiguous” on the issue of an immediate ceasefire and did not provide a clear path to achieving it in the short term.
Support for Alternative Resolution
The ambassador mentioned another draft resolution resulting from collective consultations among non-permanent Security Council members. “This draft is clear on the issue of a ceasefire, in line with the correct direction of the council’s action, and of great relevance. China supports this draft,” Zhang affirmed.
Rejection of Accusations
Responding to accusations of “cynicism” by the U.S. and Britain regarding China’s voting position, Zhang stated, “Those are groundless accusations.” He urged the U.S. to support the alternative draft resolution that clearly calls for a ceasefire. “For the U.S. at the current stage, what is most important is not words, but actions,” he added.
Commitment to Lasting Peace
Ambassador Zhang pledged that China would continue to work with Security Council members and the international community to “play a responsible and constructive role” in achieving a ceasefire, alleviating suffering, implementing the two-state solution, and promoting a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution to the question of Palestine.
(With input from Xinhua)
Reference(s):
China vetoes U.S. draft, calling for unconditional Gaza ceasefire
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