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

“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): I do not want to take up too much of the Security Council’s time, as time is a precious resource and I do not want to prolong our discussions. In fact, after my explanation of vote and supplemental intervention, I gave a comprehensive explanation of China’s position. I only wish to further point out that the United States representative enumerated numerous reasons to illustrate its position and to demonstrate that its position has not changed. However, a review of the most recent period and an examination of what senior United States officials said and did, including during their visit to North-East Asia, points to the fact that the way that the United States approaches the Korean peninsula is, in fact, changing. That change is what has led to today’s complex situation.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“If the United States had accepted the proposals of China and some other members of the Council, this situation could easily have been averted. In fact, perhaps some people wanted this very situation to come about, in line with their cynical intentions. China is a close neighbour of the Korean peninsula, whose peace and stability is a matter of international peace and security as well as China’s own security. In order to ensure the peninsula’s peace and stability, China must discharge its own responsibility in that regard. We shall continue working to safeguard the peace and security of the peninsula, ensure the peninsula’s non-nuclearization and find a political solution to the issue.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“The function of the Council is not to adopt draft resolution after draft resolution and make statement after statement ad infinitum, or to assert its authority through sanctions and the use of force. In fact, if the Council — with no regard for principles — were to adopt certain draft resolutions that lead to dire consequences and catastrophes for the sanctioned countries and territories, it would be nothing but an act of irresponsibility and dereliction of duty. In that regard, it is useful to reflect upon the tragedies that are playing out in Libya and elsewhere. The Council has some painful lessons to learn in that regard, with the benefit of hindsight. The reason draft resolution S/2022/431 was not adopted is very clear. It is not China’s fault in the slightest.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“It is precisely for that reason that China has been extremely prudent and responsible when casting its vote whenever a draft resolution is put to a vote. It is important to highlight that voting in favour or against a draft text, or abstaining in the voting, is China’s prerogative as a member of the Security Council. China’s position is independently self-determined and does not need to be aligned with that of the United States. Such an alignment is not required under the Council’s rules of procedure. China’s voting position is based on its assessment as to whether a proposal contributes to a solution, whether it helps maintain international and regional peace and security and whether it can head off greater tensions or a broader disaster. Those considerations also constitute an important yardstick by which to measure the Council’s work.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): In her earlier statement, the representative of the United States levelled a slew of accusations, echoed by a non-Council member, against China’s position. China categorically rejects those accusations. We must point out that they are entirely unfounded. China has been a responsible member of the Security Council and has engaged responsibly in the Council’s work. My country has worked hard to maintain Council unity. We have been facilitating greater cooperation within the Council in order to enable it to fulfil its mandate, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Such is the weight of the Security Council’s mandate that each and every decision made in the Chamber has profound and far-reaching implications.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“China once again calls on all the parties to exercise calm and restraint and urges the United States to meaningfully reflect on its policy towards the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, adhere to the overarching principle of finding a political settlement, take meaningful action to respond to the legitimate and reasonable concerns of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and create conditions for the de-escalation of the situation and a resumption of dialogue and negotiations. China will continue to play a constructive role in maintaining the peninsula’s peace and stability and achieving its denuclearization.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“The United States also continues to promote and expand military exercises, strengthen military alliances with certain countries involved in the region and engineer small, exclusive circles. One particular politician from a certain country concerned has made frequent pro-nuclear statements and has advocated nuclear sharing with the United States. Those moves all send the wrong message and have had a negative impact on the resolution of the nuclear issue involving the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. We advise the countries concerned to prioritize international and regional peace and security, abandon their Cold War mentality and refrain from going any further down the wrong path. The situation on the peninsula is at a dangerous juncture.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“The security of all countries is indivisible, and the security of one country cannot be based on the insecurity of others. The developments on the peninsula that have led to the current situation deserve our reflection. The United States has recently been vigorously promoting an Indo-Pacific strategy that is of necessity linked to the latest developments on the peninsula. It has been promoting cooperation on nuclear submarines with certain countries that carries serious risks of nuclear proliferation. With much fanfare it has been developing offensive-weapon systems, such as hypersonic weapons, and has sold cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads to other countries, thereby significantly undermining the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“In the current circumstances, the Council should consider what is actually impeding peace and stability on the peninsula and should be concerned about the real difficulties regarding the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and their livelihoods, with a view to injecting an impetus into resolving the peninsula issue. We call on the Security Council to play an active role in providing humanitarian and anti-epidemic assistance to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea rather than creating obstacles. Regrettably, China’s reasonable proposal was rejected. In the circumstances, we had no choice but to vote against the draft resolution. Peace and stability on the Korean peninsula are related to the common interests of the countries of the region and therefore require joint efforts by all countries.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“With regard to the draft resolution proposed by the United States, China has repeatedly expressed the hope that the United States would consider issuing a presidential statement instead, as the best way to garner consensus among Council members and avoid confrontation, an approach endorsed by most Council members, with the United States alone dissenting. The United States has insisted that the Council should take action if the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea were to launch another intercontinental ballistic missile, as stipulated in previous Security Council resolutions. But the kind of action that the Council should take should be decided through consultations, not dictated by a single member.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“It is obviously self-contradictory to push for increasing sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea while claiming to be willing to provide humanitarian assistance, and China does not endorse that approach. China attaches great importance to the unity and cooperation of the Council. In order to reduce the level of contention and reflect the Council’s constructive role, China has always called on all parties to adopt a cooperative attitude to the peninsula issue. We support the necessary action taken by the Council, but the goal should be to promote dialogue and negotiations and create a favourable environment for a political solution.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“Additional sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will only add to the misery of its people, and therefore neither just nor humane. Under the provisions of the draft resolution proposed by the United States, the supply of crude oil and refined petroleum products to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would each be reduced by 25 per cent. The export by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of related products would be further restricted. Those measures have no relevance to settling the nuclear issue on the peninsula, and the only conceivable result would be to sever a lifeline for the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and worsen their plight.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“The starting point of the draft resolution on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea jointly proposed by China and Russia in the Council is the alleviation of the impact of humanitarian difficulties and those related to livelihoods in the country and to inject momentum into achieving a political settlement on the peninsula. In the current situation, additional sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will not only fail to resolve the problem but will lead to further negative consequences and an escalation of the confrontation. Their humanitarian impact will also be worse, especially against a backdrop of the emerging coronavirus cases in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“The Council has so far adopted 10 sanctions resolutions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, establishing an extremely harsh and complex sanctions regime while at the same time working to move in the right direction, aimed at resolving the peninsula issue through dialogue. China firmly believes that the Security Council resolutions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are an integral whole and should be implemented comprehensively, thoroughly and accurately. The countries concerned should not have a one-sided emphasis on the implementation of sanctions alone but should also work to promote a political solution and ease sanctions where appropriate.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“Regrettably, the United States has not reciprocated the positive initiatives taken by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in accordance with the principle of action for action. Talks between the two countries have remained at an impasse, as has the denuclearization process, and the tensions on the peninsula continue to rise. The situation has evolved into its current state primarily owing to the United States’ flip-flopping policies and failure to abide by the outcomes of previous talks. That is an irrefutable fact. The facts have also shown that reliance on sanctions will not help to resolve the peninsula issue. Security Council sanctions are a means, not an end in themselves.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“With its ups and downs, the peninsula issue has remained unresolved for decades. Events have repeatedly demonstrated that dialogue and negotiations are the only viable way to resolve the problem. As a main stakeholder in the peninsula question, the United States is directly responsible for promoting dialogue and negotiations. In 2018, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea took a series of measures to denuclearize and de-escalate the situation, and its leaders and those of the United States met in Singapore, where they reached an important consensus on establishing a new phase in their relations, including building a peace mechanism and advancing the denuclearization process on the peninsula.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“As a close neighbour of the peninsula, China is extremely concerned about the situation there and has always insisted on maintaining its peace and stability, working for its denuclearization and resolving issues through dialogue and consultation. For a long time, China has been making unremitting efforts to that end. In dealing with the recent manifestations of the persistent tensions on the peninsula, China has called on all the parties to exercise calm and restraint and refrain from actions that could increase tension and lead to miscalculations. With regard to the peninsula issue, the Security Council should play a positive and constructive role, and its actions should help de-escalate the situation and prevent it from deteriorating and even spiralling out of control.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): The Chinese delegation voted against the draft resolution contained in document S/2022/431, submitted by the United States, which is intended to impose additional sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. That is a prudent decision made by China after it repeatedly weighed the pros and cons of the issue on the basis of its consistent position on the Korean peninsula nuclear issue, comprehensively analysing the circumstances surrounding the current escalation of tensions on the peninsula, and fully taking into account the negative consequences that could arise once the draft resolution has been adopted, including for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s domestic response to the coronavirus disease.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source
“I would like to conclude by reiterating China’s support for the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian State, based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side in peace with Israel, and our support for the Arab people and Jewish people developing alongside each other. We also underline our support for the common development of both Arabs and Jews. China will continue to play a constructive role alongside the international community with the aim of achieving a settlement of the Palestinian question as soon as possible.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“Palestine is facing existential and development challenges. The international community should take concrete action to help Palestinians fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, develop the economy and improve people’s livelihoods, with a view to achieving economic independence at an early date. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East has made positive contributions to improving humanitarian conditions for Palestinian refugees. The international community should consolidate its political support for the Agency and make effective efforts to ease its financial problems. COVID-19 vaccines, as part of an aid package from China to the Agency, have recently arrived in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon to be used to vaccinate Palestinian refugees in those countries.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“China is concerned about Israel’s announcement of a new settlement-construction plan and urges Israel to stop all settlement activities, as required by Council resolutions. A two-State solution is the fundamental way forward for achieving peace between Palestine and Israel and must be observed and implemented. Only by realizing such a solution and restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people can we break the cycle of violence. The international community cannot substitute crisis management for a just solution when it comes to the question of Palestine. The relevant parties with major influence on the question should uphold objectivity and impartiality, prioritize the fundamental interests of the Palestinian people and the countries of the region and take practical steps to advance the Middle East peace process.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“Every civilian killed by conflict in the occupied territory leaves behind a broken family. The ever-rising number of civilian casualties only aggravates the animosity between Palestinians and Israelis and undermines mutual trust. Palestine and Israel cannot unneighbour each other; they have a stake in one another’s security. They should find a way to live side by side in harmony and shared security. Israeli security forces should abide by the principle of proportionality in law enforcement and not use excessive force. The current situation between Palestine Israel shows once again the importance of implementing international parameters. Building settlements in the occupied territory violates international law, disrupts the contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territory and compromises the prospects for a two-State solution.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“The current situation between Palestine and Israel is further testimony to the importance of achieving common security. On 11 May, the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed while covering Israeli security operations in the West Bank city of Jenin. The Security Council issued a press statement strongly condemning the killing and demanded an immediate, thorough, transparent, impartial and fair investigation (SC/14891). We note with concern the latest reports on the incident. We urge relevant parties to carry out an investigation and publish their conclusion without delay, as called for by the Council. We note with equal concern that yet another 16-year-old Palestinian boy was shot and killed by Israel in the West Bank the day before yesterday.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“We are extremely worried about this. The recent developments between the two sides have raised a red flag for the international community and call for well-tailored solutions. The current situation once again gives witness to the importance of upholding the status quo of holy sites. Holy sites carry the collective sentiments of religious believers and have seen multiple incidents of bloodshed. China calls on all the parties concerned to learn from history, jointly safeguard the historical status quo of religious sites, respect Jordan’s custodianship of the holy sites and refrain from any unilateral action to change the status quo. Jerusalem Day is just around the corner. We call on all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and avoid the resurgence of conflict.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. I have also listened attentively to the briefings presented by Mr. Daniel Munayer and Ms. Robi Damelin. During the past month, the security situation in the occupied Palestine territory remained turbulent, with multiple clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians, resulting in a continued increase in Palestinian civilian casualties. Attacks against Israeli civilians also occurred from time to time. Religious believers in the occupied territories, be they Muslims or Jews, were unable to celebrate their religious holidays in peace and tranquillity. The various factors contributing to the rising tensions between Palestine and Israel were brought into sharp relief just recently. A number of these factors are still fermenting.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“China and 26 other countries co-sponsored that resolution, urging all countries to lift unreasonable restrictions on the right of developing countries to peaceful uses of science and technology while fulfilling their international non-proliferation obligations. China welcomes the continued inclusive dialogue within the framework of the General Assembly with a view to enhancing mutual trust, building consensus and ensuring that developing countries fully enjoy their right to the peaceful use of science and technology. That will help us better achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and maintain international peace and security.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“China welcomes the voluntary adoption and further promotion of the Tianjin Biosecurity Guidelines by all countries and relevant stakeholders so as to prevent the misuse or abuse of biotechnology, to lower the risks associated with biosecurity and to promote the use of biotechnology for the benefit of humankind. Using science and technology for peaceful purposes and conducting international cooperation in that regard constitute an inalienable right of all States under international law. During its seventy-sixth session, the General Assembly adopted a resolution entitled “Promoting international cooperation on peaceful uses in the context of international security” (resolution 76/234).”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“Facing the tremendous changes brought about by artificial intelligence and on the basis of the results of years of discussion at the United Nations, at the end of last year China put forward a position paper on regulating the military application of artificial intelligence. It provides a viable framework for the international community to explore the impact of military applications of artificial intelligence on strategic security governance rules and ethics. In July, scientists from more than 20 countries agreed on the Tianjin Biosecurity Guidelines for Codes of Conduct for Scientists, advocating for responsible research and development in biotechnology, which is the common aspiration of the international scientific community.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“In 2020, China, launched a global data security initiative, calling for openness, security and stability in global supply chains while opposing the practice of using information technology to destroy critical infrastructure or conduct large-scale surveillance. It also advocates for respect for national sovereignty and jurisdiction and the right of States to manage their own data. The initiative provides a blueprint for international rules on digital security, which we hope will attract the participation of Governments, international organizations and multi-stakeholders.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“China calls on the countries concerned to stop creating divisions around the globe, including in the Asia-Pacific region; to cease geographical confrontation; to stop drawing lines on the basis of ideology and using coercive measures to force other countries to take sides; to refrain from decoupling the economy and science and technology; and to cease their destructive practices affecting the stability of global supply chains and economic recovery. China attaches great importance to scientific and technological innovation and has been preventing technology risks in a responsible manner. We have worked actively to promote international consensus and cooperation.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“That approach, which carries an obsolete cold war mentality, runs counter to the spirit of international cooperation and the trends of our time. It harms the collective interests of all countries and is doomed to failure. We urge certain Governments to adopt a rational and open-minded approach; to view scientific and technological developments and international cooperation from the right perspective; and to stop groundless attacks and restrictions on high-technology companies of other countries. In the face of global challenges, the right path is one of solidarity and cooperation.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“Technological innovation should not produce only one champion. However, it is worrisome that for some time now, certain Governments have politicized issues of a scientific and technological nature. They have generalized the concept of national security, abused State power and wantonly intensified their suppression of other countries’ high-technology companies. In order to maintain their monopoly in science and technology, those Governments have established exclusive circles and clubs under so- called strategies or frameworks. They have imposed technology blockades on other countries and engaged in bullying practices in the field of science and technology. They have interfered with and obstructed economic, trade, scientific and technological cooperation among other countries.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“It is necessary to curb the abuse of information technologies, oppose cybersurveillance and attacks and oppose an arms race in cyberspace. It is crucial to prevent terrorists from using the Internet for recruitment, financing or organizing terrorist attacks, as well as preventing the Internet from becoming a hotbed of hate speech, racism, pornography and violence. Governments should strengthen supervision and control in accordance with the law, standardize the application of technology and better safeguard public interests. Technology platform providers and Internet service providers must standardize their practice and strengthen self-discipline in order to fulfil their social responsibilities. Fourthly, we oppose the politicization of issues of a technological nature. The world of science is not a zero- sum battlefield.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“In peacekeeping and peacebuilding, the Council should also actively use new technologies to strengthen its capabilities in information collection, early warning, emergency response and rescue. Thirdly, it is imperative to work together to manage and control the risks posed by technology. Technological developments can be a source of risk in relation to conflicting rules, societal risks and ethical challenges. The international community should uphold the concept of science and technology for the benefit of humankind; enable the United Nations to fulfil its role as a main channel for active dialogue, exchanges and cooperation; adhere to multilateral and multi-stakeholder participation; jointly manage the risks of technological development; and formulate and improve universally accepted rules and norms.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“At present, the widening technology divide between developed and developing countries — in particular the digital divide — is exacerbating new forms of inequality. It is necessary to allow multilateral platforms such as the United Nations to fully play their part in supporting the research and development capacities of developing countries; to speed up the transfer of technologies; accelerate the commercialization of scientific achievements; share the dividends of progress in science and technology with developing countries; leapfrog the development gap by narrowing the digital divide; and fast-track the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Developing countries must be supported in using the latest technology and big data to improve social governance and effectively prevent and combat crimes.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“As the world’s economy is highly interdependent and the global industrial and supply chains are deeply intertwined, all countries should view international exchanges and cooperation in science and technology with an open mind and promote them using the relevant measures in order to jointly create an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment in that regard while actively conducting joint research and development with a view to fostering progress through concerted efforts. Secondly, achievements in science and technology must be used for the benefit of all. Technology knows no borders and is part of humankind’s shared wealth. Such achievements should not become treasures hidden in caves.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“Each and every scientific, technological and industrial revolution in human history has profoundly transformed our mode of production and lifestyle and tremendously promoted the progress and well-being of humankind. The world today is facing unprecedented and complex challenges. Fast-changing digital technology, artificial intelligence and biotechnology, inter alia, have played an important role in the fields of pandemic prevention and control, climate change, food security, energy security and others. Be it as a new impetus for world economic growth or as a new way and means for solving major complex issues, innovation in science and technology is simply indispensable.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): The rapid development of science and technology has brought us new opportunities and new challenges. In May 2021, China, Kenya, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates jointly convened an Arria Formula meeting to exchange views in an in-depth manner on the impact of emerging technologies on international peace and security. China welcomes the opportunity to continue the discussion on technology and security in the Security Council. In order to better develop and utilize science and technology for the benefit of humankind. China would like to propose the following. First, we must vigorously advocate scientific and technological innovation. Innovation is a primary driver behind development.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“What the world needs most is true multilateralism, with consistent, exemplary and responsible actions by major Powers and equal and inclusive global cooperation where we all work and share together.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source
“There is no greater crisis than the prevalence of hegemony and power politics, which poses serious challenges to international equity and justice. China’s President, Xi Jinping, has pointed out that the futures of all countries are closely interlinked. We should choose dialogue over confrontation and tear down walls rather than build them. We should pursue integration instead of decoupling and opt for inclusiveness, not exclusion, while guiding the reform of the global governance system based on the principles of fairness and justice. In this era plagued with risks and crises, initiating a new Cold War, provoking bloc confrontation and seeking decoupling in the economic, scientific and technological domains will not solve any problems. On the contrary, that would only bring more trouble to the world.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source
“We need to develop a more integrated and balanced strategy on that issue. China has always made food provision for its population a top priority in its national governance. Home to 9 per cent of the world’s arable land, we feed nearly a fifth of the total global population. We have eliminated the absolute poverty that plagued our country for thousands of years. We have also helped other developing countries to improve their agricultural production capacity through our foreign aid programmes and South-South cooperation. China has put forward the Global Development Initiative, making food security a key area of cooperation. That will make a positive contribution to the response to the challenge of global food security. In conclusion, I wish to emphasize that the world today is facing multiple crises.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source
“Developed countries should reduce trade and technical barriers and offer greater help to developing countries in terms of capital, technology, market access and capacity-building, thereby fulfilling their dutiful role in building a fair, open and efficient global food supply system. Developed countries’ long-standing practice of providing large agricultural subsidies have exacerbated the uneven development of the international food market, which de-incentivizes developing countries in terms of grain production. That is an issue to which we need to pay greater attention and find a solution. In addition, in order to achieve the energy transition, developed countries are engaging in large-scale corn- and soybean-based biofuel development. Objectively, that also competes with global food demand.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source
“That makes the balance in food supply and demand highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, pandemics, armed conflicts and other emergency and unforeseen factors. In order to strengthen the resilience of the global food system so that it may better withstand risks, it is crucial to have a long-term strategic perspective and help developing countries enhance their self- sustaining capacity, increase agricultural and rural inputs, accelerate progress in agricultural science and technology, improve agricultural infrastructure and expand food availability. The three Rome-based United Nations agencies and the international financial institutions should leverage their respective strengths and play an active role in situational analysis, policy advice and aid coordination in order to provide greater support to developing countries.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source
“A certain country should adopt responsible monetary policies fully taking into account the spillover effects of its own interest rate adjustments in order to avoid adding to the debt service burden of the developing countries concerned, thereby weakening their food purchasing power. Thirdly, we need to promote profound transformation and enhance the resilience of the global food system. As with the many food crises that have erupted since the twentieth century, the current crisis has once again shed light on the structural problems of the global food system. The world’s food supply-and- demand pattern is categorized by food production that is highly concentrated in a few countries, while consumer countries are geographically dispersed.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source
“The international community — and developed countries in particular — should increase the provision of emergency food supplies and assistance while providing timely and targeted help to vulnerable groups such as women and children. It is important that international relief agencies be guaranteed humanitarian access. Many countries are under pressure in relation to the balance of payments due to rising food prices. International financial institutions and developed economies should strengthen policy and financial support to developing countries in particular difficulty.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source
“Major food exporting countries and countries with major food enterprises have a shared responsibility to combat hoarding for profiteering purposes, to limit financial speculation, to instil stability and confidence in the market and to bring the steady rise in food prices under control. Secondly, we must scale up emergency assistance to help vulnerable countries weather the storm. In the past year, some 193 million people in 53 countries have faced food insecurity — the situation this year will only worsen. When people do not have enough to eat, social, and indeed even security, problems will arise. At present, a number of countries are already experiencing food- related social unrest, which is a troubling development. Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon and countries in the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions are highly dependent on food imports.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source
“We welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General in that regard. In the context of globalization, any slight disruption in the supply chain is quickly transmitted, generating a ripple effect. Weaponizing economic interdependence will only introduce artificially created difficulties and amplify local risks. We call for a speedy removal of the restrictions on food production and exportation imposed by unilateral sanctions, so as to allow for steady and unobstructed food production and supply operation. The World Bank estimates that, for every 1 percentage point increase in food prices, 10 million people worldwide will fall into extreme poverty.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source
“We need to remain calm and objective and take practical measures to consider the food security issue holistically. We need to tackle, in a timely fashion, the bottlenecks and breakpoints of food production and supply chains and jointly address the challenge of global food security. First, we need to strengthen coordination in order to stabilize the global food market. The current food crisis is caused by reduced supply, disruption in logistics and, in particular, rising prices. In order to fill the supply gap, the international community needs to work together to seek diversified food supplies and maintain the smooth operation of the international trade in agricultural commodities. It is important to bring agricultural products and fertilizers from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus back to the international market.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): I thank Secretary-General Guterres, Director-General Qu Dongyu and Executive Director Beasley for their briefings. I also listened carefully to Ms. Menker’s remarks. In the briefings, we were presented with the current very troubling and disturbing state of food security. The recommendations provided should therefore be taken seriously. Food security is a top priority, as it relates to people’s well-being and livelihoods. It is also a long- standing challenge facing the international community. The coronavirus disease pandemic, extreme weather events, economic recession and geopolitical conflicts are factors in play that have contributed to the sharp increase in food prices, further accentuating the imbalance between supply and demand. As a result, developing countries are being hit the hardest.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source
“We will continue to support the region in its economic recovery and sustainable development with practical actions and in achieving sustainable peace in the region.”
2022-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9035 (2022) · source