China has taken over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of February, with a focus on reaffirming multilateralism and enhancing global governance. Fu Cong, China\u0027s permanent representative to the UN, announced on Monday that China intends to address the growing need for international cooperation amid escalating global conflicts.
\"As the world enters a very turbulent period and the number of conflicts worldwide hits a new high since the Cold War, there is an increasing call in the international community, particularly among the Global South, for reforming and improving the global governance system,\" Fu stated during a press briefing.
Fu expressed concern over the current state of the Security Council, noting that \"solidarity and cooperation are being replaced by division and confrontation.\" He emphasized that \"very often, the council has been unable to do anything in the face of major security crises. This situation cannot continue.\"
To address these challenges, China will chair a high-level open debate on February 18, centered on the theme \"Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance.\" This initiative aims to encourage member states to revisit the original aspirations of the UN as it marks its 80th anniversary this year.
\"The debate aims to encourage countries to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and the important role of the United Nations, including the Security Council, and to explore ways to reform and improve global governance,\" Fu explained.
Regarding global and regional issues, Fu highlighted the Security Council\u0027s continued focus on the Middle East, striving to find lasting political solutions. \"It is necessary for the Security Council to pay close attention to the ceasefire in Gaza and take timely actions to ensure that the relevant agreement is fully and effectively implemented and that humanitarian access remains open and unhindered,\" he said. \"China will urge the Council to closely follow the challenges confronting UNRWA.\"
Fu also pointed to the volatile political and security situation in parts of Africa, emphasizing the challenges in peacekeeping, peace-building, and humanitarian assistance. \"The Security Council and the wider international community must maintain and increase their attention and support for Africa,\" he urged. \"As the president, China will work with other council members to promote dialogue and consultation and seek political solutions to African issues.\"
The Security Council is composed of five permanent members\u2014China, the United States, Britain, France, and Russia\u2014and ten non-permanent members. The presidency rotates among its 15 member states on a monthly basis, following the English alphabetical order of their names.
China last held the rotating presidency in November 2023.
Reference(s):
China assumes UN Security Council rotating presidency for February
cgtn.com
