China's Veto of Hormuz Resolution Draft Helps Ease Iran Tensions

United Nations, New York (ANTARA) - China’s permanent representative to the UN, Fu Cong, stated that his country’s veto against the UN Security Council draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz helped prevent escalation of the Iran-US and Israel conflict. Fu noted on Thursday (16/4) that by using its veto right on 7 April against the draft proposed by Bahrain on behalf of Gulf states, China upheld international justice and equality, defended the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and prevented the conflict from widening. He also believes the veto created conducive conditions for achieving a temporary ceasefire and initiating dialogue and negotiations. “China’s voice reflects a responsible choice for peace and for the people in the region. China stands on the right side of history and will endure the test of history,” Fu said at the UN General Assembly meeting on the use of veto rights in the Security Council. China, he continued, attaches great importance to the draft resolution and fully understands the main concerns of the Gulf states. At the same time, Security Council actions must target de-escalation. Fu reminded that Security Council actions must not provide legitimacy for unauthorised military operations or permit the use of military force, let alone exacerbate tensions and muddy the situation to trigger conflict escalation. “China does not support Iran’s attacks on Gulf states. China believes that the routes and safety in the strait used for international shipping must be maintained. We call on Iran to take proactive steps to restore normal shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible,” Fu said. “Meanwhile, the increased military deployments and targeted blockades by the US are dangerous and irresponsible steps. The shipping issue in the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover effect from the conflict in Iran. Only a comprehensive ceasefire can fundamentally create conditions to ease the situation,” he added. China welcomes the announcement of the ceasefire agreement by the relevant parties and supports all efforts conducive to ending the conflict. Fu is confident that the US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan mark a step in the right direction towards de-escalation. “Relevant parties must adhere to the ceasefire agreement, stick to the direction of dialogue and peaceful negotiations, remain committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, and take concrete actions to curb regional tensions,” he said. The international community must continue to intensify efforts to promote peaceful negotiations and firmly oppose any actions that undermine the ceasefire agreement or escalate confrontation, he said. According to Fu, all parties must also sincerely respect the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and prevent escalation of the situation in Lebanon that could undermine the ceasefire scheme. As a sincere friend and strategic partner to Middle Eastern countries, he affirmed that China closely follows the regional situation, maintains an objective and impartial position, and has conducted intensive mediation with all parties to actively support peaceful negotiations. China is ready to continue facilitating de-escalation, promoting improved relations between countries in the region, and playing a constructive role in achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.