🌍 In a significant move at the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia exercised their vetoes against a U.S. draft resolution on the Gaza ceasefire this Friday. The draft was turned down, with China criticizing it for being ambiguous and setting preconditions for a ceasefire, which they argue essentially green-lights continued violence.
China's Stand for Immediate Ceasefire 🕊️
Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, emphasized the critical need for an immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire in his explanatory statement after the vote. \"An immediate ceasefire is the basic premise for saving lives, expanding humanitarian access, and preventing further conflict,\" Zhang stated.
He highlighted that over 160 days have passed since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, resulting in more than 32,000 civilian deaths and leaving millions suffering from famine. \"The council has dragged its feet and wasted too much time in this regard,\" Zhang pointed out, stressing that a swift action is the universal call of the international community. 🌐
Criticism of the U.S. Draft 📄
Zhang criticized the U.S. draft for being \"unbalanced in many aspects,\" particularly concerning Israel's recent declarations of planning military attacks on Rafah. \"The draft did not clearly oppose such actions, sending a very wrong signal with serious consequences,\" he added.
He also noted that the draft was ambiguous on the ceasefire issue, failing to provide a clear path to achieving a ceasefire in the short term. \"It has always evaded and dodged the most essential issue, that is, a ceasefire,\" Zhang stressed.
Support for a Collective Resolution 🤝
The ambassador mentioned another draft resolution resulting from collective consultations among the non-permanent members of the council. \"This draft is clear on the issue of a ceasefire, in line with the correct direction of the council's action, and of great relevance. China supports this draft,\" he affirmed.
Zhang expressed hope that council members would reach an agreement on this basis soon, sending a clear signal calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the fighting.
Rejecting Accusations 🚫
Responding to accusations of \"cynicism\" by the U.S. and Britain regarding China's voting position, Zhang declared these as groundless. \"If the U.S. is serious about a ceasefire, it wouldn't have vetoed time and again multiple council resolutions,\" he said.
He urged the U.S. to take action by voting in favor of the draft resolution that clearly calls for a ceasefire. \"For the U.S., at the current stage, what is most important is not words, but actions,\" Zhang added. 💬
China's Commitment to Peace ✌️
The ambassador pledged that China would continue to work with council members and the international community to play a responsible and constructive role in achieving a ceasefire, alleviating suffering, and promoting a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the question of Palestine.
Reference(s):
China vetoes U.S. draft, calling for unconditional Gaza ceasefire
cgtn.com
