In a move that speaks volumes 📣, China abstained from a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) vote on Thursday regarding Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
The resolution, adopted by the 193-member assembly with 99 votes in favor, nine against, and 60 abstentions, demands that Russia \"urgently withdraw its military and other unauthorized personnel\" from the plant and return control to Ukrainian authorities.
Joining China in abstention were Brazil, India, and South Africa 🌍. Russia voted against the draft.
China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, shed light on the decision. Emphasizing China's independent stance, he reiterated the nation's commitment to a political solution for the Ukrainian crisis.
\"We oppose armed attacks on nuclear power plants and other peaceful nuclear facilities,\" Fu stated. \"All parties should exercise restraint, adhere to international humanitarian principles, and uphold scientific rationality.\"
Fu stressed the importance of a ceasefire and dialogue 🕊️. \"China believes that a ceasefire and seeking a political solution serve the interests of all parties,\" he remarked. \"Our immediate focus should be on preventing escalation and creating conditions conducive to direct dialogue and negotiations.\"
Expressing disappointment, Fu noted that the resolution failed to prioritize dialogue or address fundamental European security concerns. \"The draft resolution did not highlight the urgency of promoting dialogue and seeking a political solution, nor did it emphasize the need to fundamentally address European security issues and construct a balanced, effective, and sustainable security architecture,\" he explained.
Fu concluded by reaffirming China's stand: \"China has no self-interest in the matter and continues to play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement.\"
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China abstains from UNGA vote on Ukrainian nuclear facilities
cgtn.com
