At a Security Council briefing on the humanitarian situation in Gaza on Wednesday, Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, emphasized that UN Security Council resolutions are binding for all states and leave no room for distortion or interpretation, as stipulated in the UN Charter.
Fu expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader Middle East, noting that since October last year, these issues have been at the forefront of the Security Council’s agenda. “Yet the situation has not improved so far. Instead, it has continued to deteriorate,” he remarked, highlighting the council’s marginalization in addressing the crisis.
He pointed out the broad consensus among the majority of council members on the Palestine-Israel issue. Fu recalled that after repeated vetoes of the council’s demand for an immediate ceasefire, the United States proposed a ceasefire initiative last May, asserting that Israel had accepted it and requesting the council’s support for an agreement through diplomatic talks.
“However, over the past five months, the so-called diplomatic efforts seemed to be going in circles, and more time and patience have led to greater civilian casualties and more reckless military adventurism,” Fu added.
The ambassador called for a deep examination of the current impasse and a reaffirmation of fundamental principles. “Security Council resolutions are binding for all states, as stipulated in the UN Charter, and there is no room for distortion or interpretation,” he reiterated.
Fu stressed that the implementation of international humanitarian law is a non-negotiable obligation that cannot be used as a bargaining chip. He warned that “double standards and selective application would set a terrible precedent with wide-ranging negative consequences,” emphasizing that the principles of international law are universally applicable to all states.
“We certainly cannot lose faith in genuine diplomacy,” the envoy said, urging the concerned country to prioritize saving lives, demonstrate political will, adopt an impartial stance, abandon political calculations, and exert all available influence on the relevant party.
“At the same time, we support the council in utilizing all options in its toolbox to take further actions to end the war and restore peace as soon as possible,” he concluded.
Reference(s):
Security Council resolutions binding for all states: Chinese envoy
cgtn.com
