New York, November 1, 2023 — China has defended its recent use of veto power at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with envoy Dai Bing emphasizing the nation’s commitment to upholding international justice amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Addressing a UN General Assembly meeting on Monday, Dai Bing, charge d’affaires of China’s permanent mission to the UN, elaborated on China’s stance regarding the veto of a U.S.-proposed draft resolution on March 22. He stated that China, alongside Algeria and Russia, opposed the draft to maintain the integrity of the UN Charter and the authority of the Security Council.
“Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, the international community has been overwhelmingly calling for a ceasefire and an end to the fighting,” Dai remarked. “The Security Council must take concrete actions to reflect these urgent expectations.”
Dai criticized the United States for obstructing efforts toward a ceasefire, accusing it of attempting to manipulate the Security Council to endorse policies that could prolong the conflict. “The U.S. draft resolution deviates from the consensus of council members and runs counter to the expectations of the international community,” he asserted. “If adopted, it would mean that the killings in Gaza would continue, and violations of international law would persist.”
The envoy highlighted China’s principled use of its veto power as a necessary step to prevent further escalation of violence. “China has no hesitation in exercising its veto against a draft resolution that would have such serious consequences,” Dai said. “As a permanent member of the Security Council, China has stepped up to shoulder its responsibilities and has won broad support from the international community.”
Dai pointed to the eventual adoption of Resolution 2728, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, as a pivotal outcome enabled by China’s stance. He stressed the binding nature of this resolution and expressed concern over any claims undermining its authority. “Any attempt to portray Resolution 2728 as non-binding undermines the Security Council’s credibility,” he warned.
The envoy called on all parties to adhere to international law and urged Israel to cease military actions and lift the blockade on Gaza. He also urged the United States to fulfill its responsibilities as a permanent member of the Security Council.
Expressing deep concern over recent airstrikes on Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria, Dai condemned the attacks as violations of international law that threaten regional stability.
Concluding his remarks, Dai addressed the core issue underlying the Palestinian-Israeli conflict: the unfulfilled implementation of the two-state solution. He reaffirmed China’s support for Palestine’s membership in the United Nations and urged the Security Council to take swift action on the matter.
The UN General Assembly had previously adopted a resolution on April 26, 2022, allowing it to convene automatically when a veto is cast in the Security Council, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability within UN proceedings.
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Envoy: China uses veto power in UNSC to uphold international justice
cgtn.com
