United Nations, New York— China has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the prosecution of the most serious international crimes to uphold global peace and security. Dai Bing, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, addressed the UN Security Council on Tuesday, emphasizing China’s position during a briefing on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Libya.
“China’s position on the ICC’s work in Libya remains unchanged,” Dai stated, highlighting the importance of adherence to legal principles. He referred to the ICC case initiated in 2011 and acknowledged the prosecutor’s roadmap for concluding the investigation phase.
Dai called for the ICC to “strictly abide by the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Statute,” urging the court to maintain independence, objectivity, and impartiality. He stressed the necessity of respecting the judicial sovereignty and legitimate views of the nations involved and encouraged close cooperation with Libyan authorities.
Emphasizing that “achieving peace and stability in Libya is a prerequisite for delivering judicial justice,” Dai urged the international community to support Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He advocated for dialogue and consultation within Libya, promoting political transition without external imposition.
“The ICC’s activities related to Libya should contribute to strengthening solidarity and unity among the Libyans and avoid amplifying differences and tensions,” he added.
Addressing the ICC’s role amid global challenges, Dai asserted that the court should “exercise its powers in accordance with the law, apply international law in an equal and consistent manner, avoid double standards and exceptionalism, and effectively safeguard international equity and justice.”
(Cover image: The United Nations headquarters in New York, U.S., July 24, 2023. /CFP)
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China backs punishing serious intl crimes to maintain peace, security
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