China has vetoed a draft resolution of the United Nations Security Council on the conflict between Israel and Palestine, citing a negation from past decisions.
In an explanation of the vote, China’s permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun, stated the resolutions did not address the core cause of the conflict between the two countries.
“The draft departs from the spirit of previous UN resolutions and embeds the dangerous logic of clash of civilizations and the justification of war and use of force,’’ Zhang said.
“Our position is based on facts, based on law, based on conscience, based on justice, and based on the strong appeals of the entire world, in particular the Arab countries.’’
Last Wednesday, an overwhelming majority of Council members supported a draft resolution focused on the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and prioritizing civilian protection. The use of a veto prevented this from being adopted, according to the ambassador.
On Saturday evening, the United States proposed a fresh draft resolution that ignored the Council members’ consensus and instead incorporated several aspects. He described the elements as still profoundly contentious, going far beyond humanitarian concerns.
Many council members, notably China, Russia, the UAE, and Brazil, proposed changes to the text. However, ignoring the significant concerns of relevant members, the sponsor made only cosmetic adjustments to the draft before putting it in blue in order to rush the council to vote on it, according to Zhang.
“China is by no means opposing the council’s actions. On the contrary, we have always strongly called for the council to play a responsible role. What we oppose is that the draft resolution is evasive on the most urgent issue of ending the hostility.
“It has never been able to call for an immediate ceasefire in clear and unambiguous terms,’’ Zhang said.
According to Zhang, ambiguity in Council resolutions on war and peace, as well as life and death, is not only irresponsible but also exceedingly dangerous.
“It is tantamount to paving the way for large-scale military actions and giving the green light to further escalation of war,’’ he noted.
The envoy noted that China is by no means indifferent to acts that harm civilians.
“We strongly condemned, at the first opportunity, all violence and attacks against civilians and called for diplomatic efforts to promote the early release of hostages.
”What we oppose is that the draft resolution does not call on the parties concerned to stop the indiscriminate and asymmetrical use of force, nor does it call for a thorough investigation into the heinous attacks.
“Attacks such as the one on the Al-Ahli Hospital Such selective application of international law and double standards will only push more innocent civilians to the brink of death.’’
Zhang also stated that China was not oblivious to the plight of the people of Gaza.
“We have always strongly called for opening humanitarian corridors, ensuring humanitarian access, and avoiding humanitarian disasters.
“What we oppose is that the draft resolution selectively avoids referring to the root causes of the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza and fails to urge Israel to lift its full siege on Gaza and to rescind the evacuation order for northern Gaza.
“Such an evasive and ineffectual approach will only accelerate Gaza’s falling into an even greater humanitarian catastrophe.”
The ambassador emphasized that China was not denying Israel’s security concerns.
“We have always strongly advocated that equal attention should be paid to the security concerns and legitimate rights of both Israel and Palestine.
“What we oppose is that the draft resolution attempts to establish a new narrative on the Palestinian question, ignoring the fact that the Palestinian territory has been occupied for a long time.
“They evaded the fundamental issue of independent statehood for the Palestinian people. If adopted, it would completely dash the prospect of a two-state solution and plunge the Palestinian and Israeli peoples into a vicious cycle of hatred and confrontation,” the ambassador noted.
He pointed out that China has no selfish interests in the question of Palestine.
”Any initiative that contributes to peace will receive China’s staunch support. Any endeavour that facilitates Palestinian-Israeli reconciliation will be pursued by China with all-out efforts.’’
According to the ambassador, China has aggressively pressed the council to take significant actions and make binding resolutions as soon as possible since the commencement of the latest round of violence.
”We also emphasise that the actions and decisions of the Council must respect facts and history, take the right direction, and show due responsibility and accountability. It is so as to ensure that they stand the test of morality and conscience.
”We are ready to continue to work with members of the Council and the international community to play a constructive role in putting an end to the hostility, protecting civilians, and averting further humanitarian catastrophes. And realizing a comprehensive and lasting solution to the question of Palestine,’’ the envoy said.
