A senior Chinese diplomat said China is deeply disappointed that the U.S. vetoed a United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution, drafted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and backed by more than 100 countries, gained support from 13 of the 15 Security Council members on Friday, with Britain abstaining.
Zhang Jun, China’s permanent representative to the UN, said China is deeply disappointed and regrets that the resolution was vetoed by the United States.
“The draft resolution tabled by the UAE on behalf of the Arab states reflects the universal call of the international community and represents the right direction for the restoration of peace. China fully supports this and has joined in co-sponsoring this draft resolution,” Zhang said.
Noting the ongoing conflict has caused significant death and destruction, Zhang said it is contradictory to condone the continuation of the fighting in Gaza while claiming to care about the lives and humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza. He added that it is hypocritical to talk about the protection of women and children and human rights while condoning the continuation of the conflict.
“All of this brings us once again to the double standard,” Zhang added.
Although the draft resolution has been vetoed, the international community’s strong call for a ceasefire aimed at protecting civilians from greater humanitarian disaster will not be diminished, Zhang said.
China urges Israel to heed the call of the international community and stop the “collective punishment of the people of Gaza,” said the Chinese diplomat.
China supports further diplomatic mediation to push for the early release of all detainees. China calls on all relevant parties to focus their efforts on the common goal of ending the conflict in Gaza, so as to leave hope for the Palestinian people and peace in the Middle East, Zhang said.
