Press Conference by Security Council President on Work Programme for May

China’s presidency of the Security Council this month will focus on upholding the United Nations Charter, advancing political settlements in the Middle East, supporting stability and development in Africa and strengthening protection of civilians in armed conflict, the country’s representative said at a Headquarters press conference today. 

“We are committed to promoting solidarity and cooperation of the Council so that it will play a role in safeguarding international peace and security,” said Fu Cong (China), Council President for May.

Outlining Beijing’s priorities, he said that, on 26 May, China will convene a high-level open debate on “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the United Nations-centred International System”, aimed at offering Member States an opportunity to recommit to the Charter and to multilateral cooperation. 

“Our first priority is to revitalize the authority of the UN Charter,” he said, warning that conflicts, divisions and pressure on international law are increasing.  The problem, he stressed, is not that the United Nations has failed but that “the UN Charter is not properly upheld”. 

Turning to the Middle East, he said the Council will hold regular briefings on Syria and Lebanon amid continued tensions and spillover effects, including on the global economy.  He urged all parties to exercise calm and restraint and to work towards de-escalation. 

On the Palestinian question, he said the situations in Gaza and the West Bank remain deeply concerning.  The Council must urge relevant parties – Israel in particular – to honour the ceasefire, stop settlement activities and work towards a two-State solution. 

On Lebanon, he said attacks against civilians and United Nations peacekeepers are unacceptable, adding that the Council must send a clear message in support of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. On Syria, he said that the country is at a critical juncture and the Council must support efforts to improve living conditions, advance political stability and eliminate the threat of terrorism. 

Turning to Africa, he said China will convene meetings on the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) on 7 May, Libya on 21 and 22 May, and South Sudan on 29 May.  During its presidency, the Council will “maintain its focus on Africa and support solutions that resolve African issues in African ways”, he said, urging the international community to scale up humanitarian and development support. 

On 20 May, the Council will also hold its annual open debate on civilians in armed conflict, which he said should strengthen humanitarian efforts and improve protection of civilians.  It will also hold on 12 May a meeting on Bosnia and Herzegovina and on 29 May consultations on the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) concerning sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. 

Responding to questions from correspondents, he addressed the situations in Iran, Gaza, Lebanon and the broader Middle East, as well as the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General and the United Nations financial situation. 

Asked about China’s planned debate on strengthening the UN Charter, he said Beijing is concerned that more than 60 armed conflicts are taking place today.  “Trust is lacking among major countries, raising risk of major miscalculation,” he cautioned, adding that the “rise of power politics” and “bully practices” are dealing heavy blows to the rule of law.

Asked about the selection of the next Secretary-General, he said the process is in order and China will begin consultations among Council members early in its presidency, with a view to agreeing on modalities so that work can begin in June or July.  The United Nations is at a critical juncture, he said, stressing that it “needs a strong Secretary-General” — one “not too aligned to the interests of one single Power”. China would be glad to see a female Secretary-General, he added. 

Asked whether attention was being diverted from the war in Gaza, he said the Palestinian question remains “at the very heart” of the Middle East’s challenges.  “We will make every effort to make sure the Palestinian issue is high on the agenda of the Council,” he said, expressing deep alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and concern about rising tensions in the West Bank.  He also cited media reports that shelter materials had been blocked by Israel.  Decades of “repeated cycles of conflict between Palestine and Israel” have caused immense suffering, he said, adding that the denial of Palestinian rights is the “injustice of our time” and “must stop”. 

On the war involving Iran, he reiterated that it resulted from the “illegitimate action of the United States and Israel”, saying it had caused massive suffering for the Iranian people and disrupted the global economy. “We need to open the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible,” he said, urging Iran to lift its restrictions and the United States to lift its blockade.

As to where China and the United States could cooperate in the Council to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, he said that the two sides must negotiate in good faith to find a solution.  However, he also cited worrying reports from United States officials suggesting that the ceasefire may be only temporary. 

Concerning the ceasefire in Lebanon, he said that it did not seem genuine.  “We want to see a real ceasefire prevail and it is incumbent on Israel to stop its bombardments,” he stressed.  He also said the Council should revisit the decision concerning the withdrawal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), noting that the Secretary-General is preparing a plan on the mission and that many Council members believe this is not the time to end its mandate. 

Regarding exchanges between China and the United States on military cooperation on Iran, he said there is no military cooperation between China and Iran.  However, he said Beijing is deeply empathetic to what the Iranian people have endured because of what he described as the illegitimate war started by the United States and Israel. 

Asked whether China would step in to fund the United Nations if the United States withdraws or reduces its contributions, he said:  “If the US withdraws, of course other countries need to step up,” adding that China would be among them.  However, he stressed that this should not be seen as a zero-sum issue between China and the United States.  “We want to contribute more,” he said, adding that Beijing also wants the United States to contribute more and regrets that European countries have reduced their contributions to the United Nations and to global development more broadly. 

For the full programme of work, please see:  main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/programme-work.