YouSaid · the spoken record

Zhang Jun

lines on the record: 2,260
first: 2019-08-02
most recent: 2023-12-19
sittings or episodes: 311
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

“The United States, in particular, should look squarely at the crux of the matter, adopt a responsible attitude and take meaningful, practical and tangible actions. Secondly, we need to return to the right path — that is, to relaunch dialogue. The security of all countries is indivisible, and the world needs common security. No country should pursue absolute security at the expense of the security of other countries. This has important implications for resolving the peninsula issue. All the parties concerned should put themselves in each other’s shoes, acknowledge each other’s legitimate concerns, reduce provocations, confrontations and pressurization, and create enabling conditions whereby meaningful dialogue can resume.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9305 (2023) · source
“The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and United States leaders met and reached important consensus on improving bilateral relations, establishing a peace mechanism on the peninsula and denuclearizing the peninsula. However, because of the flip flop in the United States policy, its failure to respond in line with the principle of action-for-action and its reversion to the old practice of sanctions and pressurization, the opportunities to resolve the Korean peninsula issue were missed time and again. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea became even more distrustful of the United States, and dialogue became completely deadlocked. The parties should reflect deeply on the lessons from the past and come to realize that a show of goodwill is vital to building mutual trust and creating the conditions necessary for peace talks.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9305 (2023) · source
“Facing the new round of tensions spiralling on the Korean peninsula, China calls on all parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint, address the root causes, stay the course towards a political solution, which is our overarching goal, and work together to achieve denuclearization and maintain peace and stability on the peninsula. In this regard, I wish to underscore three points. First, a show of goodwill and good faith to each other is imperative. The peninsula issue has reached an inflection point several times in the past. In 1994, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the United States signed an agreed framework on the nuclear issue. In 2005, the six-party talks issued the 19 September joint statement. In 2018 and 2019, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea took unprecedented denuclearization steps.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9305 (2023) · source
“Since the armistice on the Korean peninsula, a peace mechanism has yet to materialize, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has been faced with tremendous security threats and survival stressors. For decades, its legitimate concerns have been denied the attention and response they deserve. Recently, the United States has been conducting frequent military exercises on the periphery of the peninsula, deploying strategic weapons such as nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and B-52 bombers, which has greatly heightened the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s sense of insecurity. This is the main trigger for the current tensions on the peninsula.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9305 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his briefing. Currently, tensions persist on the Korean peninsula, with confrontations escalating, which China finds deeply concerning. I heard some fellow members who spoke before me condemning other countries in harsh terms, as if the peninsula’s situation, coming to today’s point, had everything to do with others and nothing to do with themselves. As an old Chinese saying goes, if you sow melon seeds, that is what you get — melons, not beans. It is not enough to merely look at how a matter is presenting itself at this moment. It is more important to see how it got to this point and recognize its underlying drivers. The peninsula issue is a legacy of the cold war that has cast a decades-long shadow. It is, in essence, a security issue.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9305 (2023) · source
“In June, the Security Council will discuss the Mission’s mandate renewal. It is our view that the Security Council should listen attentively to the views of the Malian Government and should streamline and optimize the Mission’s mandate, as required, in order to enhance its operational performance. Recently, MINUSMA tweeted a video clip showcasing a typical day in the working life of Zhou Juan, a female Chinese paramedic at a level-2 hospital. The tweet was widely praised and received numerous likes. Such practices help project a positive image of peacekeeping operations by winning the support and trust of the Government and the people of the country concerned. China stands ready to work with the international community to make a greater contribution to lasting peace and development in Mali.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“China supports the Economic Community of West African States in its continued good offices and mediating efforts on the basis of respect for Mali’s sovereignty and ownership. The international community must remain patient, provide more support and encouragement for Mali’s political transition and take practical steps to help Mali tackle any difficulties that may arise in the electoral preparations and other areas. In guiding MINUSMA to overcome its trials and tribulations, Special Representative of the Secretary- General Wane has also accomplished a great amount of work. In the current context, the Mission has been confronted with many new issues and challenges in discharging its duties. China supports closer communication between the Mission and the Malian authorities to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“China supports MINUSMA in rolling out the community violence reduction projects and quick-impact projects in central and northern Mali and providing more support for water supply, agriculture, infrastructure, vocational training, et cetera, to eliminate the root causes of conflicts. Thirdly, we must provide constructive support for the political transition. The Malian authorities have engaged in extensive dialogue with the parties and have done a great deal of work in drafting the constitution and preparing for the general elections, among other things. The international community should support the Malian parties in taking the opportunity of the political transition, resolving their differences through dialogue and ensuring the smooth holding of general elections so as to lay a solid foundation for lasting stability in Mali.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“We look forward to concerted efforts by the Malian Government and other signatories. We commend and support Algeria for its mediation and good offices. The parties should effectively fulfil their commitments, adopt measures such as high-level dialogue to accommodate each other’s concerns and resolve their differences in a collective effort to maintain national sovereignty, security and unity. MINUSMA must provide more support in areas such as supporting the parties’ compliance with the ceasefire arrangement, advancing the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process and assisting in capacity-building for the national security forces.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) must effectively fulfil its mandate from the Council and provide all-round support. The representatives of some countries spoke of the human rights issue. We believe that the ultimate purpose of counter-terrorism operations is to protect the rights of civilians to life, security and other basic human rights. We object to using human rights as a political instrument to interfere with counter-terrorism operations, and we do not uphold linking human rights with counter-terrorism support. That would amount to intervention in Mali’s sovereignty and be counter- productive to the protection of human rights. Secondly, we must promote the implementation of the peace agreement. That is critical to maintaining peace and stability in Mali.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“The Malian Government has been vigorously conducting counter-terrorism operations, launched a comprehensive strategy to stabilize the central regions and made robust efforts to improve the regional situation and ensure the safety and security of its people. Such efforts merit our recognition. Nonetheless, terrorist activities in central and northern Mali remain rampant. Terrorists ransacked villages and expelled villagers, causing massive casualties and displacement and posing a serious threat to the stability in Mali and the wider region. The international community must prioritize supporting Mali’s efforts in counter-terrorism, maintaining stability and protecting civilians. Assistance must be increased by, inter alia, funding equipment, intelligence and logistics.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): At the outset, I thank Special Representative Wane for his briefing. I welcome Ambassador Issa Konfourou, Permanent Representative of Mali, to this meeting. As Special Representative Wane said in his briefing, Mali is at a crucial stage in implementing the peace agreement, promoting the political transition and preparing for elections. The international community must move in the same direction with the Malian parties and provide constructive support for its peace and development. Allow me to stress the following points. First, we must support Mali’s efforts to counter terrorism and maintain stability. That is the top priority.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“We are willing to work with all parties to firmly support the core role of the United Nations in security governance, strive to promote coordination and interaction among the major Powers, actively promote dialogue and the peaceful resolution of hotspot issues, effectively respond to traditional and non-traditional security challenges, continuously strengthen the global security governance system and capacity-building, maintain peace and tran- quility on Earth and create a better future for humankind.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9266 (2023) · source
“That calls for the estab- lishment of a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept, a multipronged strat- egy, an integrated approach and coordinated security governance in order to meet various security challenges. Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a global secu- rity initiative, which provides a new direction and new ideas to eliminate the root causes of conflicts, resolve the security predicament and maintain common security. The global security initiative concept paper, released by China today, details the core concepts and princi- ples of the initiative and provides an important path to the implementation of the initiative and our 20 key cooperation areas, which are action oriented.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9266 (2023) · source
“Recently, we have come across many details and relevant information about the Nord Stream incident, and that information is alarming. Today the briefers also shared with us important information and their reason- able analysis. Faced with such detailed material and comprehensive evidence, a simple statement of utterly false and complete fiction is obviously not enough to answer the many questions and concerns raised around the world. Finding a way to dodge today’s meeting does not mean that the truth can be concealed. We expect convincing explanations from the relevant parties. Such a request is entirely legitimate and reasonable. The Nord Stream incident reminds us that security threats in the modern world are increasingly interlinked, transboundary and diversified.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9266 (2023) · source
“An objective, impartial and professional investiga- tion into the matter, the pursuit of accountability and the release of the results of such an investigation as soon as possible will not only relate to the incident itself but also have a bearing on the security of global transboundary infrastructure. Moreover, they are also closely related to the interest and concerns of every country. As the most authoritative and representative inter- national organization, the United Nations can play an active role in conducting an international investigation and in ensuring the security of transboundary infra- structure. China welcomes the draft resolution presented by Russia in the Council and believes that it is of great significance in authorizing an international investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9266 (2023) · source
“In an open meeting of the Council held in September (see S/PV.9144), many countries called for an investigation into the incident in order to uncover the truth and identify those responsible. That is also China’s position. China supports speeding up the investigation so as to swiftly determine the truth. We live in an era of globalization, in which cooperation among countries in energy, transportation and communication is increasingly close and transboundary construction spans continents and oceans. Any deliberate sabotage of transboundary infrastructure is a malicious act. Failure to determine why it happened and who is behind the destruction will send the wrong signal to those with ill intentions and make them believe that they can get away with whatever they do.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9266 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, Professor Sachs and Mr. McGovern for their briefings. The Nord Stream gas pipelines are a major transboundary infrastructure and energy transportation artery. The damage to the pipeline in September had a major negative impact on the global energy market and the environment. It also caused energy shortages in businesses and households in many European countries this winter. It is becoming increasingly clear that what happened to the Nord Stream pipelines was by no means an accident, but rather a deliberate human act. From the perspective of physical conditions, it is hard to imagine that any non-State actor alone would be capable of carrying out such destruction.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9266 (2023) · source
“The Palestinian people are eagerly waiting for the day when their homeland is no longer under occupation and an independent and sovereign State of Palestine can live side by side with Israel while enjoying common security and development. It is our shared responsibility to make sure that day comes as soon as possible.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“We call on Israel to stop demolishing refugees’ homes and schools, end its blockade of the Gaza Strip and cease creating obstacles to UNRWA in fulfilling its mandate. Next year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the work of the Agency, which has continued without a stop for more than 70 years. That means that after more than 70 years, the Palestinian question has yet to be resolved. In the face of such protracted injustice and suffering, the international community should reflect deeply and correct its mistakes without delay, including by abandoning piecemeal crisis management and promoting a comprehensive, just and durable solution to the Palestinian question.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Deputy Commissioner-General Stenseth just briefed us on the work done by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Palestinian refugees are one of the earliest, largest and longest-lasting such groups in the world. The Agency’s critical services, such as education, health care and social assistance, have ensured the basics of Palestinian refugees’ lives, demonstrating the international community’s solidarity with them and fulfilling its collective responsibility towards them. China fully recognizes and highly commends UNRWA’s work. In recent years, UNRWA has repeatedly sounded the alarm about its funding crisis, emphasizing the fact that the Palestinian refugees’ situation keeps getting worse and their humanitarian needs are growing.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“In the wake of its promise to suspend hostilities, Israel should refrain from any more rounds of unilateral activities but should rather completely change course and truly return to the track of a two-State solution. The presidential statement that we just adopted (S/PRST/2023/1) is a major step towards managing the current crisis, and it also reflects the determination and desire of the vast majority of members to maintain and implement a two-State solution. China commends the leadership demonstrated by the United Arab Emirates. The Council should be ready to take meaningful action whenever necessary in order to genuinely fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to it by the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“As the Council prepares to adopt that draft resolution, we are finally seeing the parties concerned making efforts towards conducting emergency diplomatic mediation. According to media reports, yesterday Israel pledged to suspend unilateral actions that would undoubtedly undermine the prospects for a two-State solution. However, it must be pointed out that the vitality of diplomatic commitments depends on their implementation. Now is definitely not the time to breathe a sigh of relief. The international community, including the countries with major influence, should continue to focus on the issue, increase the level of commitment and play a genuinely constructive role aimed at ensuring that Israel actually implements its promises on the ground. At the same time, more needs to be done.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Provocative acts and inflammatory speech of all kinds have continued to intensify conflict and confrontations. Moreover, Israel keeps advancing its settlement activities. Earlier this month, it announced its decision to legalize nine West Bank outposts and a plan to build 10,000 settlement units, which have been met with widespread condemnation and concern. Those negative developments run counter to international law, the resolutions of the Security Council, the repeated calls by all the parties for a de-escalation of the situation and the efforts of the international community to preserve the possibility of a two-State solution. At this critical juncture and over the past few days, at the initiative of the United Arab Emirates, Council members have conducted intensive consultations on a draft resolution and reached a broad consensus.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland. I would also like to thank the Council members for their warnings on the question of Palestine. And I thank Mr. Wennesland and Deputy Commissioner-General Stenseth for their briefings. The tensions in Palestinian-Israeli relations have continued for some time now. Israel’s unilateral actions keep escalating and are pushing the situation to a point where it is close to spinning out of control. We note with concern that the violence in the West Bank has been intensifying. Search-and-arrest operations, settler violence and clashes and attacks have continued to cause serious civilian casualties, including among children. The solemnity and sanctity of Jerusalem’s holy sites have been repeatedly violated and their historical status quo frequently challenged.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“A major country should behave in a way commensurate to its status and work together with others to maintain stable international relations rather than putting its own interests ahead of the common interests of the international community or seeking dominance and dictating its vision over the whole world. The world is once again at a historic crossroads. We call on all peace-loving countries to unite under the banner of the United Nations, practice true multilateralism and promote the spirit of the rule of law, so as to maintain common security, promote common development and create a common future.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“To strive for a bright future for humankind, all countries should pursue a just cause for common good, promote inclusiveness, mutual learning, peaceful coexistence and cooperation. We must respect each other’s legitimate and reasonable security concerns rather than cling to the Cold War mentality or engage in bloc politics, bloc rivalry or small exclusive circles. We must also realize win-win cooperation by integrating towards economic globalization rather than expecting others to lose or trying to stay ahead by blocking the development of other countries.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has yet to be revived. Some major bilateral and multilateral treaties and agreements are now being withdrawn from, violated, hollowed out and weakened. Should such a trend continue, great harm would be inflicted on the world. This is something we should be highly vigilant against. Relevant countries also should conduct serious reviews and reflections on this reality. Human society is facing unprecedented challenges, but peace, development cooperation and mutual benefit are still an unstoppable historical trend. Globalization is making our global village smaller, but the world is big enough to accommodate the common development and progress of all countries.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“We urge NATO to draw lessons from history, abandon such obsolete concepts as those embodied in the cold war mentality and block confrontation, and stop dangerous acts of creating imaginary enemies, destabilizing Europe and interfering with the Asia- Pacific region. Instead, it should contribute positively to world peace and stability, instead of merely being a troublemaker. Strict compliance with international treaties and the implementation of legal obligations in good faith are the basic requirements of the rule of law at the international level. This is what practicing true multilateralism is about. Regrettably, negotiated agreements fail to be implemented. The Minsk agreements are not the only example of this. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change faced major setbacks because of the withdrawal of one key party.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“In that regard, I would like to point out that on the one hand NATO claims that it continues to be a regional defensive alliance, while on the other it constantly seeks to reach beyond its traditional defence zone and scope, provoking conflict, creating tension, fuelling threats, stoking antagonism and strengthening military and security ties with countries in the Asia- Pacific region. This is obviously self-contradictory. We note with concern that the NATO Secretary- General recently made many irresponsible and unfounded remarks on the situation in the Asia-Pacific region. NATO has committed enough crimes around the world.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“The United States, the European Union and NATO should also sit down with Russia for a comprehensive and in-depth dialogue based on the principle of the indivisibility of security. They should discuss how to build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture and realize common security. In that context, no effort should be spared in preventing attempts to fan the flames and pour fuel on the fire in order to avoid an escalation and expansion of the conflict.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“On the other hand, if all the provisions of the Minsk agreement had been effectively implemented, the Ukraine crisis might not have developed into what it is today. In essence, the Ukraine crisis is the culmination of European security conflicts that are closely related to NATO’s constant eastward expansion since the Cold War. The pursuit of absolute security, political exclusion and containment by force against a specific party is the crux of the reason for Europe’s security plight. If it were to continue to espouse that mindset, Europe and perhaps even the whole world would be caught up in greater turmoil. We once again call on Russia and Ukraine to cease the hostilities and start peace negotiations as soon as possible.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“The situation that should have been de-escalated by the agreement in fact saw further escalation, eventually leading to a larger- scale conflict. Whilewedeplorethefailureofthe Minskagreements, no one can deny that their signing represented a step in the right direction towards resolving disputes and differences through dialogue and negotiation and was in line with the fundamental spirit of the Charter of the United Nations. The diplomatic efforts made to reach the agreement still merit our recognition today. The lesson here is that the viability of an agreement depends on how well it is implemented. If it cannot be translated into concrete action proactively and in good faith, even the best agreement will end up being just a piece of paper.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): China’s position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be safeguarded, the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations upheld, the legitimate security concerns of all countries prioritized and all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis supported. Eight years ago to this day (see S/PV.7384), the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2202 (2015), endorsing the Minsk agreements as the basic political document for resolving the eastern Ukraine issue. Unfortunately, after the agreement was reached, the fighting never stopped. There have been constant disagreements over the interpretation and implementation of its provisions.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“China appreciates the contribution of the United Arab Emirates to promoting the global response to climate change and supports its efforts to host a successful conference. It is our hope that all parties will focus on the purposes and objectives of the Convention and together build a fair, reasonable, cooperative and win-win global climate governance system.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source
“China has always advocated for and engaged in South-South cooperation on climate change. To date, we have signed 45 climate change cooperation instruments with 38 developing countries, built three low-carbon demonstration zones, carried out 42 climate change mitigation and adaptation projects, and trained technical personnel in relevant fields from more than 120 developing countries, which has been welcomed and highly commended by many developing countries, including small island developing States. China will continue to work with all parties to actively participate in global climate governance and collectively address the challenge of climate change. The twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held in December in the United Arab Emirates.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source
“China urges Japan to fulfil its international obligations, dispose of the nuclear-contaminated water in a science-based, open, transparent and safe manner and effectively protect the marine environment and ecosystem. In the face of climate change, China has always been consistently action-oriented, sparing no effort to fulfil its commitments. We have made steady and significant progress towards carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, pursuing with determination a green and low-carbon development pathway that prioritizes ecological conservation. We have made a series of notable achievements in the areas of energy conservation, renewable energy, new energy vehicles and forest carbon sequestration, among others, thereby making tangible contributions to global climate governance.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source
“The international community should effectively address the concerns and needs of small island developing States and should help them, through financial and technical assistance, to strengthen their capacity-building, enhance their climate resilience and achieve green and low-carbon development. The ocean is the bedrock of survival and development on which all countries of the world depend, which makes marine environment conservation the common responsibility of humankind. One urgent current challenge is the discharge of 400,000 tons of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, which will seriously damage the marine environment and people’s health, with small island developing States and their people bearing the brunt.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source
“The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement constitute the main framework for international cooperation on climate change, the hard-won achievements of which are to be jointly cherished and maintained by all. The Security Council may, under country-specific items and in line with the specific circumstances, examine and provide targeted responses based on an accurate grasp of climate-driven security risks. Efforts to address climate change and sea level rise should always be aimed at implementing the 2030 Agenda and creating conducive conditions for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Small island developing States are the most exposed to climate shocks but the least adaptable.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source
“Such hypocritical and self-serving green protectionism violates World Trade Organization rules, discriminates against relevant industries in other countries and undermines the collective efforts to tackle climate change globally. Adhering to true multilateralism and strengthening solidarity and cooperation are the only way to address the climate change challenge. We should stick to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, which is related to international equity and justice. Deviation from that principle will severely damage the unity and cooperation of the international community in tackling climate change.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source
“Financing always lies at the heart of — and is a key issue for — global climate governance. Developed countries are obliged to providing climate change financing and assistance to developing countries and are responsible for doing so. As early as 2009, developed countries pledged $100 billion annually to developing countries, which has yet to be truly delivered, making their so-called “commitment” nothing but an empty promise. Worse still, one country, while passively responding to the funding needs of developing countries, invests hundreds of billions of dollars in hefty subsidies to its domestic manufacturing industry through the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act”, purportedly to promote its energy transition.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source
“As climate change mitigation concerns the future of all humankind, the international community should be unwaveringly determined and relentless in its efforts to achieve the temperature cap set out in the Paris Agreement, and developed countries must take the lead in further reducing emissions. However, since last year, there has been backtracking in the energy policy of some developed countries and an increase, rather than a decrease, in their fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions, which makes the already elusive global emissions reduction prospect even more precarious. Most developed countries established their carbon-peaking and carbon-neutrality targets and programmes relatively early and should set an example by taking concrete actions to implement them.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source
“The international community should step up forward-looking studies on the consequences of the rising sea level and, in the meantime, focus on climate change as its root cause, rigorously slow down global warming and contain the trend of rapid sea level rise. Secretary-General Guterres has repeatedly warned us that the planet is fast approaching a critical point for climate change. The international community should adopt a greater sense of urgency without delay, seize the opportunity to take all necessary actions and prevent climate change from causing irreversible catastrophes for humankind.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source
“China, as a country with a long coastline, also pays great attention to the risks of sea level rise. In addition, the rising sea level has brought about new questions on, inter alia, the law of the sea, statehood and human protection and, as such, has intricate links with security, which all merit in depth and comprehensive study. China expects that the dedicated study on sea level rise in relation to international law being examined by the International Law Commission will produce practical, objective and valuable outcomes. Sea level rise is caused by a multitude of factors, such as global warming and polar glacier melting, and is a key indicator for climate change.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): China welcomes Malta’s initiative, as President of the Council, to convene today’s meeting. I also thank Minister for Foreign Affairs Ian Borg for presiding over the meeting personally. I thank Secretary-General Guterres, President of the General Assembly Kőrösi and Co-Chair Aurescu for their briefings, and I have listened attentively to the statement by Ms. Pasisi. Sea level rise has heightened the vulnerability of the ecosystem and human society globally may give rise to the submersion of territories, human migration and property loss, among a plethora of issues; and poses all- around challenges to human survival and development. For small island developing States and low-lying coastal countries, it is even an existential issue.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source
“Before concluding, I would like to join Japan in thanking the presidency of Malta for convening this important meeting, at which countries can focus on an issue that has implications for the shared future and welfare of humankind. The meeting rose at 7.10 p.m.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Japan has indicated that nuclear-contaminated water after treatment is completely harmless, which I find highly questionable. If that is really the case, then the water could be discharged elsewhere, including into Japan’s own rivers or lakes. China urges Japan to take seriously the legitimate concerns of all parties and not to take the liberty of initiating the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water without prior consultation or agreement with neighbouring countries, other stakeholders and the relevant international organizations. We also call on the international community to follow this important issue closely.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Regrettably, to date Japan has yet to provide a science-based and credible explanations on key issues, such as the legitimacy of its discharge programme, the reliability of its data on nuclear-contaminated water, the effectiveness of the treatment systems and the uncertainties concerning the environmental impact, nor has it conducted full and meaningful consultations with stakeholders, including neighbouring countries. The relevant international organization has yet to complete an assessment of Japan’s disposal programme, let alone reach concrete conclusions. Under such circumstances, Japan has been bent on forcibly approving the discharge programme of the nuclear-contaminated water and has accelerated the preparations for its discharge. Such behaviour is extremely irresponsible.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The contaminated water from the Fukushima contains more than 60 types of radioactive substances, and the discharge is estimated to last for up to 30 years. Japan’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea will severely endanger the global marine environment, ecosystems and the lives and health of people of all countries. Therefore, that is by no means a private matter for Japan. Japan’s neighbouring countries, the Pacific island countries and other stakeholders have all expressed serious concerns about Japan’s wrong decision. And within Japan, strong voices of opposition have also been raised.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): I know that everyone is probably hungry, but given the importance of the issue at hand, I would like to make a further statement in response to the statement made by the representative of Japan concerning the discharge by Japan of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea. We would like to further elaborate on our position. As is clear to everyone, the topic of our discussion today is the implications of sea level rise. One can only imagine that if what is rising is highly nuclear-contaminated sea, then the implications will be far more dramatic and the negative effects farther reaching. That is the main reason why China has raised the concern. Japan has confirmed that it will release at least 400,000 tons of nuclear-contaminated water into the Pacific ocean in the first quarter of this year.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source