China began its presidency of the United Nations Security Council on May 1, with China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong, stating at a press conference that the Security Council will focus on three major issues this month, including revitalizing the authority of the UN Charter and the role of the United Nations, promoting a political solution to Middle East issues, and supporting the stability and development of African countries.
● Revitalizing the Role of the United Nations
According to Xinhua News Agency, Fu Cong stated that in recent years, the international situation has become increasingly turbulent, with growing conflict and confrontation, and the multilateral system and international rule of law have suffered serious shocks. The international community urgently needs to take action to restore the authority of the UN Charter and the role of the United Nations, and to avoid a return to the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak.
He said that the Security Council will hold a high-level open debate in May themed “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter, and Strengthening the International System with the UN at its Core”, aiming to encourage countries to revisit the original aspirations and mission of the UN Charter, defend the outcomes of World War II, and reinvigorate the UN’s central role in the international system.
● Middle East Issues
Fu Cong also said that the Security Council will conduct its routine reviews in May of issues such as Israel-Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. It is necessary to closely monitor developments, encourage all parties involved to remain calm and exercise restraint, achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, resolve disputes through diplomatic means, and help deescalate the regional situation.
He said that the Palestinian issue remains at the heart of the Middle East question, and the situations in Gaza and the West Bank are worrying. The foundation of the “two-state solution” is at risk of being undermined. The Security Council should urge all relevant parties, especially Israel, to fully comply with the Gaza ceasefire agreement, guarantee the access of humanitarian supplies, and stop settlement activities.
He pointed out that the Security Council should send a strong signal of upholding Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, encourage all parties to halt hostile actions, and support the Lebanese government in stabilizing the domestic situation and ensuring basic livelihoods. Syria is now at a critical stage of political reconciliation and national reconstruction and development. The Security Council should support Syria in maintaining national stability, advancing political transition, improving people’s wellbeing, and take stronger measures to eradicate the threat of terrorism.
In response to media questions regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Fu Cong stated that the most urgent task at present is to ensure that the ceasefire holds and that both the U.S. and Iran resume negotiations in good faith to lay the foundation for the reopening of the strait.
● Supporting African Development
Fu Cong stated that China will push for continued attention by the Security Council to Africa, support resolving African issues in African ways, and encourage all parties involved to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation to ease regional tensions. China calls on the international community to increase humanitarian aid and development investment in African countries, support the countries concerned in enhancing their capacity for independent development, and address the root causes of conflict.