China has called for strict adherence to the UN Charter and international law principles in global efforts to address crimes against humanity, as nations prepare for a landmark diplomatic conference in 2028-2029. Sun Lei, charge d'affaires of China's Permanent Mission to the UN, outlined Beijing's position during Monday's First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the upcoming UN convention negotiations.
Sovereignty and Legal Precision Take Center Stage
Sun emphasized that the draft convention must prioritize state sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning against political manipulation of human rights issues. "Under the guise of combating crimes, certain states have engaged in interference and armed aggression," he stated, referencing recent geopolitical tensions.
Redefining International Consensus
The Chinese envoy challenged direct adoption of the Rome Statute's definitions, noting that over one-third of UN members haven't ratified it. "Our convention must reflect comprehensive state practice and genuine consensus," Sun asserted, advocating for flexible approaches that respect different legal systems.
Road to 2028: A Cautious Approach
With formal treaty negotiations yet to begin, China stressed that current discussions should inform rather than predetermine outcomes. Sun highlighted the need to prevent non-governmental organizations from being weaponized for political agendas, reaffirming Beijing's commitment to state-driven processes.
As the international community works toward the 2028-2029 conference, China's stance signals both its growing influence in global governance and its determination to shape international norms through multilateral frameworks.
