YouSaid · the spoken record

Li Zhaoxing

lines on the record: 377
first: 1993-04-30
most recent: 2006-09-21
sittings or episodes: 88
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“It is important that all parties act in an impartial and balanced way and refrain from using double standards. China supports the efforts of the Quartet. We reiterate our belief that the Security Council should shoulder its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security, and we welcome any new initiative that will help move forward the Middle East peace process. There are bound to be obstacles on the road to peace in the Middle East. However, as long as we engage in peace talks rather than resort to force, seek cooperation and avoid confrontation, enhance mutual understanding and reduce mutual hostility, we will definitely be able to open the door to peace.”
2006-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5530 (2006) · source
“All related issues should be addressed in a coordinated way so as to avoid complicating the already volatile situation in the region. Fourthly, cooperation must be promoted for the benefit of the people. China calls on Israel to lift its blockade against Palestine, dismantle the separation wall and facilitate the supply of humanitarian assistance to Palestine. Palestine and Israel should expand non-governmental business and trade ties, to enable the two peoples to be the first to enjoy the dividends of peace and to put an end to their longstanding mutual animosity. This, in turn, will create an atmosphere conducive to pursuing a political solution. Fifthly, it is key to act in an impartial way and step up mediation. The help and support of the international community is essential to progress in the Middle East peace process.”
2006-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5530 (2006) · source
“Israel and its Arab neighbours must put an end to violence and conflicts, in particular military actions targeted at civilians, and take steps to rebuild mutual trust. On that basis, they should speedily restart negotiations and make the necessary compromises and concessions to achieve a peace of the brave. Thirdly, the root causes of conflicts must be addressed and efforts made to find a comprehensive solution. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains the core and root cause of the Middle East issue. That conflict is closely connected with the Lebanese-Israeli issue, the Syrian-Israeli issue and other regional issues, which have increasingly affected each other. To achieve a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East, it is critical that Security Council resolutions and the principle of land for peace be adhered to.”
2006-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5530 (2006) · source
“At the same time, we must face reality. Israel should respect the choice of the Palestinian people and agree to the establishment of an independent State of Palestine. All forces in Palestine should recognize Israel's right to existence and its sovereignty. We hope that the Israeli and Palestinian Governments will act in the fundamental interest of their peoples, respond to the call of the times and make the right choices, so that the two countries can live in peace and develop in harmony. Secondly, mutual trust must be fostered and peace talks must continue. No one in the Middle East will emerge victorious from war, and the use of force will not lead to peace. Negotiation is the only way to peace.”
2006-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5530 (2006) · source
“We have already begun to honour our commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to Lebanon and will continue to do so. We urge all parties to extend a helping hand to the Lebanese people. More importantly, the international community should urge Israel and Lebanon to reach a long-term political solution, beat their swords into ploughshares, and live in peace. The Middle East peace process is stalled, but peace is not out of reach. The process must be revived, and to that end I wish to make the following proposals. First, we must respect history and face reality. History teaches us lessons, while reality gives us the key to creating the future. To settle the question of the Middle East, full consideration should be given to its historical backdrop, which involves religious conflicts, colonialism, ethnic clashes and border disputes.”
2006-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5530 (2006) · source
“Mr. Li Zhaoxing (China) (spoke in Chinese): I wish to offer my congratulations on the convening of this meeting, which is the result of the concerted efforts of all parties concerned. China has all along fully supported this initiative by the League of Arab States. The Middle East used to be a land of peace and tranquillity - a land of milk and honey. Yet during the past half century, it has been awash in blood and tears, ravaged by war and hostilities. This is a challenge to human conscience. China welcomes the adoption of resolution 1701 (2006). The resolution represents an important step towards settling the Lebanese-Israeli conflict and must be fully implemented. China calls for an early expansion and deployment of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and is ready to contribute additional troops to it.”
2006-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5530 (2006) · source
“China calls on the United Nations, as well as on countries and regional organizations that are in a position to do so, to provide greater assistance to the African Union in the area of capacity-building, so that the African Union can play a greater role in maintaining peace and stability in Africa.”
2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source
“Such cooperation should be flexible and varied and should not be confined to a particular modality or mechanism. The establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission marks a new phase in the work of the United Nations in this area. We support the active participation of relevant regional organizations in that Commission. Thirdly, it is important to strengthen capacity- building. Enhancing crisis-response capacity at the regional level is the best way to end or prevent conflicts. In that respect, regional organizations of developing countries are playing an increasingly important role. The United Nations should place greater emphasis on its cooperation with such organizations and provide them with assistance and policy incentives in terms of institution-building, information exchange and funding.”
2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source
“We support the establishment of the basic principles underlying this partnership, which should ensure that the United Nations plays a leading role. In their cooperation efforts, the actors involved should bring into full play their comparative strengths, complement each other's efforts rather than duplicate them, and reinforce rather than compete with each other. Regional organizations should, in accordance with the provisions of the Charter, submit timely and comprehensive reports to the Security Council on relevant activities they have undertaken. Secondly, it is important to promote a results- oriented cooperation. The United Nations should cooperate with regional organizations based on their comparative strengths and unique characteristics in such areas as confidence-building, conflict prevention, crisis management and peacekeeping.”
2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source
“Secretary-General Kofi Annan recently submitted his report on cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. China in principle endorses the analyses and recommendations presented in the report, and supports the development of an effective global partnership. In that regard, I wish to make three points. First, it is important for all bodies involved to complement each other's efforts and enhance coordination among them. China welcomes the contribution of regional and subregional organizations to the maintenance of peace and security in their respective regions as well as their contribution to world peace and security, drawing fully on their experiences and advantages in addressing issues in their respective regions under Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter.”
2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source
“Mr. Li Zhaoxing (China) (spoke in Chinese): Madam President, I am very pleased to see you presiding over today's meeting, and I wish to congratulate Greece on the outstanding job it has done since assuming the presidency of the Security Council. The United Nations is the core of the international collective security mechanism, and the Security Council shoulders the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. At a time when the security interests of countries are increasingly inter-connected in the face of growing global security threats, China supports enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional, subregional and other intergovernmental organizations with a View to safeguarding international peace and security.”
2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source
“As a member of the international community, China is willing to work with all others and to try our best to help the Sudan attain peace, stability, prosperity and development and build a harmonious society in which all factions coexist in peace and in which the people enjoy security and well-being.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“China is deeply worried at the lack of improvement in the security and humanitarian situation in the Darfur region. We urge all parties concerned to be faithful to their commitments and to ensure the freedom of movement of humanitarian relief workers, so that necessary humanitarian goods can be delivered to all refugees and internally displaced persons in a timely manner. Currently, the international community is faced with the urgent problem of the serious inadequacy of humanitarian relief funds and materials in the Darfur region, which threatens many relief agencies with the prospect of closing down and withdrawing. It is imperative that the international community provide assistance as soon as possible in order to solve this burning problem.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“Transition from AMIS to a United Nations-led operation is a decision in principle made by the AU, and the United Nations Secretariat has carried out relevant preparations for that purpose. China hopes and trusts that the Sudanese Government and the various factions in Darfur will seize, and make full use of, the current momentum and will speed up consultations with the Secretariat so that the relevant preparations can be completed as early as possible. I wish to take this opportunity to stress once again that the sole purpose of a United Nations operation in Darfur is to assist the Sudanese Government and the various factions in Darfur in implementing the Abuja agreement. Therefore, the consent and cooperation of the Sudanese Government are prerequisites for the deployment of a United Nations operation.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“Comprehensive, timely and faithful implementation of the peace agreement requires not only that the various Sudanese parties fulfil their commitments and comply with the agreement, but also that the international community provide effective help. Due to constraints in the areas of personnel, equipment and funding, the capacity of the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) has been extremely strained. In a few months' time, the resources of AMIS might even be totally depleted. Assisting AMIS is the consensus wish of all members of the Security Council and the international community. The top priority at this moment is to turn that consensus into a reality and help strengthen the capacity of AMIS, thus creating a good foundation for the implementation of the Abuja agreement.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“The African Union (AU) has invested a tremendous amount of energy and has made relentless efforts to that end. At the last moment in the negotiations, both the Sudanese Government and the Sudanese Liberation Movement displayed great flexibility. China highly appreciates their efforts and at the same time would like to urge those factions that have not yet signed the peace agreement to proceed on the basis of the long-term fundamental interests of the Darfur people and respond promptly to the requirements set out by the AU. The signing of the Darfur peace agreement is only the first step in a thousand-mile march: there are more important, more difficult and more complex challenges ahead.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“Mr. Li Zhaoxing (China) (spoke in Chinese): A few days ago, the Sudanese Government and the Sudanese Liberation Movement signed the Darfur peace agreement in Abuja. This represented significant progress in the Abuja process and signified that the peace process in the Sudan has arrived at a new historical turning-point. China is deeply gratified at this development and would like to express its sincere congratulations to the Sudanese Government and to all the Sudanese people. This development demonstrates once again that, with the support of the international community, African problems can be solved through political negotiations by relying on the wisdom of the Africans, using African ways and under African leadership. This achievement of peace has been difficult to come by.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“During that visit, I profoundly sensed the wishes of the Governments of those countries for peace, stability, good- neighbourliness and friendship, as well as the expectations of the peoples of those countries for a tranquil, harmonious and happy life. Therefore, in handling the relevant issues, the Security Council should take into full consideration the unique and complicated situation in the Middle East, and respect the sovereignty of those countries and the will of their peoples, so as to avoid causing new tensions and turmoil in the region.”
2005-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5297 (2005) · source
“The Mehlis report is still a preliminary report, and the Commission itself also believes that the investigation is yet to be completed and that there is no final conclusion. In such circumstances, it is inappropriate for the Council to prejudge the outcome of the investigation or threaten to impose sanctions. That will not contribute to resolving this issue and will add new destabilizing factors to the already complex situation in the Middle East. This is a legitimate and reasonable concern of China, Islamic countries and many other nations. The current situation in the Middle East is complicated by various intertwining factors. Last June, I Visited a number of Middle Eastern countries, including Lebanon and Syria.”
2005-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5297 (2005) · source
“We also hope that the Commission will continue its investigation in an open and impartial manner, obtain iron-clad evidence and bring the truth to light as soon as possible, so as to bring justice to the Victims and safeguard the authority of the Security Council. It is precisely on the basis of that consideration that China believed it necessary for the Security Council to adopt a resolution urging the relevant parties to strengthen their cooperation with the Commission, with a View to sending an unequivocal signal to the international community. China always maintains that no arbitrary use or threat of sanctions should be allowed in international relations. The use of sanctions can only be authorized by the Security Council with prudence and in the light of actual situations.”
2005-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5297 (2005) · source
“Mr. Li Zhaoxing (China) (spoke in Chinese): The assassination of Rafik Hariri last February was indeed distressing. Today's ministerial meeting of the Security Council has positive significance not only for the search for the truth and for bringing the perpetrators to justice, but also for preventing the recurrence of similar incidents. Over the past several months, the International Independent Investigation Commission, led by Mr. Mehlis, has done much work. China takes the questions raised in the Commission's report (S/2005/662) seriously. The Security Council is duty-bound to urge the relevant parties to cooperate seriously and fully with the Commission in accordance with Security Council resolution 1595 (2005).”
2005-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5297 (2005) · source
“Of course, we also need to keep pace with the times and further improve and enrich the existing international laws and norms in accordance with changes and developments. Our goal is to build a better global village where there are no wars or conflicts as all countries live in peace and stability; where there is no poverty or hunger as all the inhabitants enjoy development and dignity; and where there is no discrimination or prejudice and all peoples and civilizations coexist in harmony, complementing and enriching one other. To achieve all that, we the peoples need a world of democracy and the rule of law, and we need a stronger United Nations. Let us work hand in hand towards that end.”
2003-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4833 (2003) · source
“To uphold what is right, defend what is just and observe international obligations is the solemn commitment made by the United Nations to the world's people and is the essence of the United Nations Charter. The answer to bringing about a world of peace, stability, justice and the rule of law lies solely in closer international cooperation, a multilateral approach and democracy and the rule of law in international relations. The United Nations Charter and other norms governing international relations must be respected and maintained in earnest. As responsible members of the great international family, all countries should take on the challenges they face by acting within the framework of international institutions and in accordance with international law.”
2003-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4833 (2003) · source
“It is a source of concern that some countries and regions, having freed themselves from conflicts, have been bogged down once again in a state of helplessness in the face of economic globalization due to a lack of funds, technology and other conditions required for economic development. The United Nations and the international community need to provide effective assistance to help them take on the challenges of globalization and achieve sustainable development. We strongly urge the international community to give development the key position it deserves in peace-building. Governing a country requires the rule of law, as does managing international relations.”
2003-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4833 (2003) · source
“A sound security environment should be created expeditiously to ensure the orderly progress of reconstruction, and the programme of disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, resettlement and reintegration should be carried out without delay to keep arms out of the hands of ex-combatants. The end of a conflict does not necessarily mean the arrival of peace. Causes of conflicts differ, but more often than not they have a great deal to do with poverty and backwardness. Without development, justice and the rule of law are merely a mirage. There is quite a long way to travel from war to stability and from anarchy to rule of law. Unless people in conflict areas can see hope for a better life and can enjoy real benefits from peace, they might once again be plunged into turbulence and even war.”
2003-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4833 (2003) · source
“Helping the parties concerned establish and safeguard justice and the rule of law should therefore be given earnest attention in the course of United Nations peacekeeping operations and post- conflict reconstruction. China supports the United Nations in playing an active role in accordance with the needs and actual conditions of the countries concerned. Achieving peace and stability for post-conflict countries is a systemic endeavour involving many aspects of work. In addition to justice and the rule of law, a broadly representative Government should be established as soon as possible to help bring about national reconciliation and ensure the harmonious coexistence of all ethnic groups.”
2003-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4833 (2003) · source
“Mr. Li Zhaoxing (China) (spoke in Chinese): I would like to welcome you, Sir, as the President of today's meeting. I would also like to thank Secretary- General Mr. Kofi Annan for his presence and remarks. Like peacekeeping, peace-building is of great significance for lasting peace and order in countries and regions afflicted by conflict. Currently, battered social order, shattered rule of law and the absence of protection for the rights of civilians, women and children in particular, are commonplace in areas of conflicts. Guaranteeing an early restoration of the judicial system and the rule of law in order to uphold justice and protect human rights has thus become a necessary condition for post-conflict stability and development.”
2003-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4833 (2003) · source
“It is our sincere hope that all States in Latin America will realize or maintain peace and stability so as to concentrate their efforts on developing their economies and raising the peoples' living standards. Based on this position, the Chinese delegation has all along given its support to the Government, the FLMN and the people of El Salvador for their efforts to attain lasting peace and stability in their own country. We shall continue to do so in the future.”
1995-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3528 (1995) · source
“In this connection, we support the proposal by the Secretary-General that the United Nations maintain an appropriate political presence in El Salvador for the purpose of verifying the continued implementation of the Peace Accords and providing good offices. Meanwhile, we urge both parties in El Salvador to remain committed to its unswerving efforts in pursuing the implementation of the Peace Accords in all their aspects, particularly in the areas of land transfers and the reintegration programmes for ex-combatants. The Chinese people cherishes fraternal and friendly feelings towards the peoples of Latin America and wishes to develop friendly relations of cooperation with them on the basis of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations as well as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.”
1995-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3528 (1995) · source
“There is an old saying in China that "Having survived the disaster, the brothers transcend their own hatred with a smile". In March this year, when I was President of the Security Council, the Ambassador of El Salvador and the representative of the Frente Farabundo Marti para la Liberacion Nacional (FMLN) came to see me, shoulder to shoulder. They briefed me on the implementation of the Peace Accords and expressed their common desire for the Security Council to continue to support the peace process in El Salvador. This vivid example still remains fresh in my mind. After the withdrawal of ONUSAL the peace process in El Salvador will enter a new era. At this critical juncture the international community, including the United Nations, should continue to offer a helping hand.”
1995-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3528 (1995) · source
“It is our considered view that there are four major elements for success: first, to persevere in the peaceful settlement of conflicts through negotiation and dialogue; secondly, to stick to the agreement once it is reached; thirdly, to strive to achieve national reconciliation and turn conflicting parties into partners of cooperation; and, fourthly, to have the full support of the international community, including the Security Council. Of the four elements, national reconciliation is fundamental. Outside help will be of no use if the internal cause is not brought into full play. The political will for peace of the parties in El Salvador is the solid basis for the settlement of the conflict in El Salvador. This is also the prerequisite for ONUSAL's success.”
1995-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3528 (1995) · source
“Mr. Li Zhaoxing (China) (interpretation from Chinese): I should like to thank the representative of Brazil and other representatives for their friendly statements concerning my presidency of the Security Council. The mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador (ONUSAL) will come to an end on 30 April 1995. ONUSAL, which has lasted for nearly four years, has played a significant and promotive role in bringing forward the peace process and the national reconciliation of the two parties in El Salvador, thus being crowned as one of the success stories of the United Nations peace-keeping operations. The experience of ONUSAL is worth summing up and drawing on in a serious manner.”
1995-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3528 (1995) · source
“This will help bring an early end to the conflict and war in the region, which will be in conformity with the long-term interests of the countries in the region and contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in Europe, as well as in the rest of the world.”
1995-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3522 (1995) · source
“The long absence of a solution to the question of the former Yugoslavia has brought tremendous suffering to the people in the region. It is also jeopardizing peace and stability in Europe and the world as a whole. We are deeply concerned over the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, and strongly urge the parties concerned to restart at an early date peaceful negotiations for a solution acceptable to all by taking into account the fundamental interests of the people there. We also deem it imperative for the countries in the region to recognize each other and coexist in amity and good-neighbourliness.”
1995-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3522 (1995) · source
“The international community should continue to give encouragement, not discouragement, to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for its continued fulfilment of its commitment to closing its border and making further efforts to bring peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Regrettably, though the draft resolution before us has further extended the provisions for easing sanctions set forth in resolution 970 (1995), it has not only shortened the period of extension but also attached more restrictive conditions to it, which is apparently a step backward from resolutions 943 (1994) and 970 (1995). Furthermore, the reasonable suggestions we made on the draft resolution were not accepted. Due to the aforementioned situation and based on our principled position on sanctions, we shall have to abstain on the draft resolution before us.”
1995-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3522 (1995) · source
“We have all along advocated a peaceful settlement of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia and have been against the introduction of sanctions or mandatory measures in this connection, for facts have proved that sanctions or pressure will in no way help resolve any issue, but rather will further complicate and perpetuate it. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is an important factor for restoring peace and stability in the region of the former Yugoslavia. Its Government has facilitated and supported the Mission in many ways in the discharge of its duties, and has taken measures to effectively close its border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The purpose of the efforts made by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in implementing Security Council resolutions 943 (1994) and 970 (1995) is to urge the Bosnian Serbs to accept the peace plan.”
1995-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3522 (1995) · source
“The report of the Co-Chairmen of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia (ICFY), transmitted by the Secretary-General to the Security Council, states that the Mission enjoys freedom of movement and good cooperation from the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in implementing its mandate, that the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia continues to fulfil its commitment to closing its border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that there have been no commercial transshipments across that border. We welcome this development and believe that it should be the basis for our consideration of the draft resolution before us.”
1995-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3522 (1995) · source
“Mr. Li Zhaoxing (China) (interpretation from Chinese): Mr. President, first of all, the Chinese delegation welcomes you as you join us to guide the meeting of the Security Council this afternoon. We believe your vitality and excellent skills and wisdom will lead us to the smooth conclusion of this afternoon's meeting. To you and to Ambassador Kovanda, we would like to express our thanks for the contribution made to the work of the Security Council by the Czech delegation. The Chinese delegation also wishes to express its shock at the recent tragic event in Oklahoma City. We would like, through Ambassador Albright, to extend our condolences to the Government and people of the United States on the loss of life in the explosion.”
1995-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3522 (1995) · source
“But it must be pointed out that questions regarding the channel of shipment for Iraqi oil exports and the distribution of humanitarian funds to the three northern Governorates of Iraq, as mentioned in the draft resolution, are matters within the purview of Iraq's sovereignty to which a proper solution should be found, in full consultation with Iraq, to ensure the implementation of the mechanism embodied in the draft resolution. While certain modifications and qualifications have been made in this regard, the Chinese delegation still has some difficulties with the elements to which I have referred, and therefore wishes to express its reservations on them.”
1995-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3519 (1995) · source
“We are of the view that when we address the issues left over from the Gulf crisis, the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the political independence of all countries in the region, including Iraq, should be fully respected by the international community. We have noted that this element has been reaffirmed in a few places in the draft resolution before us. We understand that the main purpose of the mechanism proposed in the draft is the easing of the humanitarian situation in Iraq and that this is merely a temporary measure. Once the conditions are ripe, the Security Council should start to consider easing or removing the sanctions against Iraq. Based on this understanding, the Chinese delegation will vote in favour of this draft resolution.”
1995-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3519 (1995) · source
“Mr. Li Zhaoxing (China) (interpretation from Chinese): China's position on the question of Iraq has been consistent. Iraq should continue to cooperate with the United Nations in implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions in a comprehensive and earnest manner. Meanwhile, the Council should proceed to discuss, at an early date, the lifting of the oil embargo against Iraq, on the basis of humanitarian considerations and in the light of Iraq's implementation of the resolutions, so as to truly and effectively ease the humanitarian situation in Iraq and alleviate the suffering inflicted on the Iraqi people by sanctions.”
1995-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3519 (1995) · source
“In this regard, we wish to express our gratitude to the Government of Nigeria and to President Rawlings of Ghana for their efforts. The draft resolution before us reflects the spirit of the Liberian people and conforms to their fundamental interests. It is also a reflection of the ardent hopes of the international community. The Chinese delegation will therefore vote in favour.”
1995-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3517 (1995) · source
“Mr. Li Zhaoxing (China) (interpretation from Chinese): The Chinese delegation has always closely followed the development of the situation in Liberia. We have expressed our deep concern at the stagnation in the peace process, the breakdown of the cease-fire, the large quantity of weapons flowing to the country and the frustration of humanitarian relief activities there. The key to progress in the Liberian peace process lies in the good-faith implementation of the Akosombo and Accra Agreements by all parties to the conflict. They must immediately implement an effective cease-fire and establish a Council of State as soon as possible so as to lay a solid foundation for achieving national reconciliation. We endorse and support the convening of a regional summit meeting aimed at finding an appropriate settlement to the question of Liberia.”
1995-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3517 (1995) · source
“However, this commitment does not in any way compromise the position of the Chinese Government on no first use and no use or threat of use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States or nuclear-weapon-free zones. Still less is it to be construed as endorsing the use of nuclear weapons.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“On 5 April 1995 the Chinese Government made a solemn statement on security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon States, which reaffirmed China's unconditional commitment not to be the first to use nuclear weapons and not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States or nuclear- weapon-free zones. A commitment was also made in the statement on positive security assurances that China, as a permanent member of the Security Council, undertakes to take action within the Council in order that the Council should take appropriate measures to provide, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, necessary assistance to any non-nuclear-weapon State that comes under attack with nuclear weapons, and to impose strict and effective sanctions on the attacking State.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“T hirdly, an unconditional commitment by all nuclear- weapon States not to be the first to use nuclear weapons is one of the effective measures to avoid nuclear war and reduce the nuclear threat. Since the very first day that China possessed nuclear weapons, the Chinese Government has unilaterally undertaken not to be the first to use such weapons at any time or under any circumstances. We call upon the countries concerned, acting in conformity with the trend of the times, to discard the theory of nuclear deterrence, to undertake not to be the first to use nuclear weapons and to start negotiations for the conclusion of an international convention to this effect. Fourthly, China fully understands and supports the reasonable demand of the vast numbers of non-nuclear- weapon States for security assurances.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“If all nuclear-weapon States could take a concerted position and take concerted action in this regard, it would enhance the security of the vast numbers of non-nuclear- weapon States and contribute to world peace and security as well as to the prevention of nuclear-weapon proliferation. The Chinese Government has long unilaterally undertaken not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non- nuclear-weapon States or nuclear-weapon-free zones at any time or under any circumstances. We call upon all the other nuclear-weapon States to undertake the same commitment and to make unremitting efforts for the conclusion of an international convention to this effect.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“China has always stood for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons and has proposed that a convention on the complete prohibition of such weapons be concluded in the same way as the Conventions banning chemical and biological weapons. Secondly, it is the due right of non-nuclear-weapon States to acquire security assurances to free themselves from any nuclear attack or nuclear threat. Pending the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons, all nuclear-weapon States should undertake not to use or threaten to use such weapons against non- nuclear-weapon States, which is a practical and feasible measure to ensure the security of non-nuclear-weapon States.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“However, we are of the view that the draft resolution soon to be adopted is only one step towards the conclusion of a legally binding international instrument providing assurances for non- nuclear-weapon States and nuclear-weapon-free zones against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons. We still have a lot to do for the conclusion of such an international instrument. China is ready to join the rest of the international community in a continued effort to that end. I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate the position of the Chinese Government on security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon States. First, complete and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons to usher in a nuclear-weapon-free world is the fundamental guarantee for ridding all countries of the threat of nuclear war.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“Mr. Li Zhaoxing (China) (interpretation from Chinese): At the outset, Sir, I would like to congratulate you on your assumption of this month's presidency of the Security Council. I am convinced, given your rich experience and wisdom, that you will guide the Council's work to success. I also wish to take this opportunity to thank all members for their assistance and cooperation during my presidency last month. The Security Council will be adopting today a draft resolution on security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon States. This is the result of the joint efforts of all countries. It will contribute to the maintenance of world peace, security and stability, and will facilitate the realization of the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. The Chinese delegation welcomes this development.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source