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 Nations, and especially the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, should pay greater attention to the negative impact of sanctions on the humanitarian conditions of the Syrian people. Some countries are talking about human rights. If they do indeed care about the human rights of the Syrian people, they should take real actions to respond to the appeals of the Secretary-General and his Special Envoys on the issue of sanctions. We should recognize and acknowledge that relevant parties are making great efforts to maintain a ceasefire and promote stability in Syria. Meanwhile, the international community should remain alert to the fact that terrorists are seeking to take advantage of the current situation, and not allow them so do so.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“The suffering caused by the devaluation of Syrian currency and soaring commodity prices, including for food, falls heavily on civilians across the country. We have heard briefings by the Special Envoy on the poverty and possible famine in the country, and are extremely concerned. We urge the United States to respond actively to the urgent appeals of the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy and lift unilateral sanctions immediately. What is even more worrying is that new rounds of sanctions will be imposed against Syria. These sanctions will inevitably further hinder the economic and social development of Syria, as well as the livelihoods of ordinary Syrians. As vulnerable countries like Syria are struggling with the pandemic, imposing more sanctions is simply inhumane, and may cause additional catastrophes.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“The Syrian Government is taking effective measures to fight against COVID-19. Meanwhile, the international community should intensify cooperation with the people and Government of Syria in combating the virus. China donated medical supplies to the Syrian Ministry of Health earlier this month, and we are ready to continue offering our support and help. At this difficult time, it is imperative that the international community, United Nations agencies and countries of the region cooperate with the Syrian Government in the fight against COVID-19 and ease the suffering of Syrian people. We are deeply concerned by recent reports on the economic situation in Syria. Years of economic blockade have caused tremendous hardships for the Syrian people — in particular, for women and children.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“We are glad to hear that Constitutional Committee will hold its third round of meetings before the end of August and we are looking forward to more progress at that round of consultations. We also hope the ceasefire appeals by the Secretary-General and the Special Envoy will meet with positive responses. Facing a window of opportunity to promote inclusive dialogue and a political solution, we cannot overstate the importance of the need for the Syrian parties to strengthen consultation within the Constitutional Committee and engage constructively with the Special Envoy. Other relevant parties should also play a positive role in jointly addressing the challenges facing the Syrian people. With regard to the pandemic issue, we note that there are new confirmed cases in Syria.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“Let me join colleagues in thanking Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing. We appreciate his continued efforts under challenging circumstances. I also take note of the remarks by Ms. Ghazi. Concerning the Syrian issue, it is China’s consistent position to support the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process. The urgency of finding a political solution to the issue is further highlighted in the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We understand that COVID-19 has caused additional difficulties for the process. Meanwhile, it is our firm belief that the political process should not stop under any circumstances. We encourage the Special Envoy to make every effort to promote substantive political dialogue and enhance mutual trust among the parties concerned.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“We will establish a cooperation mechanism for our hospitals to pair up with 30 African hospitals, accelerate the construction of the headquarters of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and help African countries improve their capabilities in disease prevention and control. Once a vaccine is available in China, we will make it a global public good and make sure African and other developing countries are among the first to benefit. We sincerely hope that, with joint efforts by us all, Africa will defeat the pandemic and restore hope across the continent.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“The African continent is facing the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus disease pandemic. As President Xi Jinping stressed in his speech to the seventy-third World Health Assembly, helping developing countries, especially African countries, in the battle against the pandemic should be the top priority of the international community. The international community should provide more material, technical and personnel support to African countries. China has delivered a large amount of medical aid to more than 50 African countries, including Mali and the African Union, and sent 148 medical experts to 11 African countries.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“MINUSMA has played an important role in maintaining peace and stability and promoting the reconciliation process in Mali. China supports the extension of MINUSMA’s mandate for one year, as recommended by the Secretary-General. As a major troop-contributing country to MINUSMA, China has dispatched seven batches of peacekeepers to MINUSMA, and 426 Chinese peacekeepers are currently undertaking various tasks in the Mission. We support the MINUSMA adaptation plan and have pledged to actively consider dispatching an unmanned aircraft system unit. We sincerely hope MINUSMA will actively implement resolution 2518 (2020), on the safety of peacekeepers, adopted in March, to effectively protect the safety and security of peacekeepers and ensure that necessary security supplies are in place.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“Thirdly, continued efforts should be made to eliminate the root causes of instability through sustainable development. The international community should continue to help Mali improve its economic foundation and swiftly achieve sustainable development on its own. Such efforts will help eliminate the root causes of many problems in Mali. We welcome the announcement by the Prime Minister of Mali, during his visit to northern Mali in March, of a series of infrastructure projects aiming to promote the Northern Development Zone. We hope further efforts will be made to follow through on those projects and provide basic services to the people in the north and improve their livelihoods. Fourthly, MINUSMA should continue to be provided the support it needs.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“We hope the international community will continue to support the Malian Government in improving its counter- terrorism capacity, advancing regional cooperation, promoting poverty-reduction and combating terrorism through an integrated approach. In this regard, it is essential to provide support to the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel. China has provided ¥300 million to the Joint Force and counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel. We commend the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) for providing important logistical support to the Joint Force and thank the Secretary-General for recommending three options for further improving the support model. We will actively participate in the discussions of the Security Council in this regard.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“China welcomes the redeployment of reconstituted units of the national armed forces to northern Mali and notes that the process is facing some difficulties. We hope relevant parties can resolve their differences through dialogue and continue to implement the Peace Agreement. The international community should assist Mali in enhancing its ability for independent development and governance, while respecting its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Secondly, greater effort and investment should be made in countering terrorism in the region. Terrorism is a serious challenge facing Mali and other countries in the Sahel. It is for this reason that the Security Council in March held a debate (see S/PV.8743) and adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2020/5) on countering terrorism in Africa. The outcome should be implemented.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“At the same time, we also noticed that the security situation in northern and central Mali faced increasing challenges arising from frequent terrorist activities and intercommunal violence, which made the humanitarian situation more severe. Such a situation seriously hinders the peace and development process in Mali. Having read the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/476) and listened to the briefings, I wish to share the following points. First, the current positive political momentum should be consolidated. We hope all parties in Mali will take the progress in national dialogue and legislative elections as an opportunity to consolidate the positive momentum, strengthen mutual trust and work together for peace and development in Mali.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for presiding over this meeting. I also thank Secretary-General António Guterres and Mr. Pierre Buyoya, African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, for their briefings. We are happy to see the continued positive developments in the political situation in Mali. As an important outcome of the national inclusive dialogue, the legislative elections were successfully held early this year, the reconstituted units of national armed forces were redeployed to northern Mali and the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali was further implemented. We are encouraged to see such progress, and commend the efforts made by the Malian Government and its people in this regard.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“It is the strong hope of China that the international community will work closely with African countries in fighting the pandemic and addressing its negative social and economic impacts. In this regard, our support should go beyond mere political slogans, and be implemented through concrete actions. We need to support MINUSMA in strengthening its capacity to fight the pandemic. President Xi Jinping has promised that China will work together with African countries in fighting the pandemic. We have promised to establish a cooperation mechanism for our hospitals to pair up with 30 African hospitals, and to make any vaccine a global public good, while making sure African and developing countries are among the first to benefit. We hope that, through our joint efforts, we will be able to bring hope to the Sahel and Africa as a whole.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“Thirdly, efforts should continue to eradicate the root causes of regional instability. Underdevelopment is one of the main causes of many issues in the Sahel. We hope that the international community will provide more support to countries in the region in eradicating poverty and improving health care, education and employment so that they can achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063 of the African Union in a more timely and effective manner. China is actively assisting countries the region, especially on infrastructure and connectivity, and by offering scholarships for study in China, among other means. Fourthly, the pandemic is still severely affecting the Sahel region and the African continent.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“We hope that the international community can strengthen effective coordination and increase its support and investment in the fight against terrorism in Africa. The Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel has played an important role in maintaining regional peace and security. China supports the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) providing logistical support to the Joint Force within its mandate and the strengthening of its mandate with the necessary financial assistance. It is also our view that the United Nations agencies should provide more support to Sahel countries to strengthen capacity-building in countering terrorism. China has provided ¥300 million in aid to counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel and the Joint Force, and will continue to help.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“First, continued efforts should be made to support political solutions to regional issues. China maintains that African issues should be resolved in an African way and through an African-led and African-owned process. We hope that the international community will continue to respect the political will of the people and the sovereignty of the countries of the region and to support the important role of regional organizations, including the African Union. Secondly, continued efforts should be made to tackle the challenges arising from terrorism and transnational organized crime. We still remember that in March, the Security Council held an open debate (see S/PV.8743) and adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2020/5) on countering terrorism in Africa.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Mr. Lacroix and Foreign Minister Mr. Cheikh Ahmed for their briefings. As a good friend of African countries, China has been actively supporting the efforts of the Sahel countries to maintain peace, security and stability and to promote development in the region. We are encouraged to see that the political situation in the Sahel remains generally stable, and we commend the efforts of countries of the region in that regard. Meanwhile, we also share the concerns of countries in the region over the serious security challenges posed by terrorism, transnational organized crime and intercommunal violence. Having carefully studied the report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/373) and listened to the interventions of the briefers, I wish to share the following points.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“We should improve the system of medical support and casualty evacuation for injured peacekeepers and ensure that adequate medical facilities and qualified personnel are deployed in the field, in full accordance with resolution 2518 (2020). China is the second-largest financial contributor and a major troop contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations; indeed, 2,500 peacekeepers from China are currently serving in nine mission areas. Peacekeeping carries forward the mission of peace. China will continue to take concrete action to honour its commitment to multilateralism and world peace and to contribute even further to United Nations peacekeeping.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“Thirdly, the utmost efforts should be made to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers. Peacekeeping operations are now faced with even more complex and dangerous environments and challenges. It is our shared responsibility to improve their safety and security. The Security Council should continue to attach great importance to this issue, formulate mandates based on the situation on the ground and ensure resources for peacekeeping missions that are adequate to their mandates. Member States and the Secretariat should fully implement resolution 2518 (2020); help troop-contributing countries and peacekeeping missions enhance their early-warning capability, health support and critical medical capacities; and improve the relevant training.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“This is conducive to the implementation of mandates and the safety and security of peacekeepers. Secondly, the impact of COVID-19 on peacekeeping operations should be properly addressed. The pandemic is a major test for peacekeeping operations. The Secretariat and peacekeeping missions should take the measures necessary to formulate epidemic-response policies, regulate the activities of peacekeepers and increase medical-support facilities, adjust the rotation policy in the light of the development of the pandemic and enhance the anti-epidemic capability of the S/2020/514 missions. We commend the measures proposed by Under-Secretary-General Lacroix in this regard and believe that, through our joint efforts, we can fundamentally reduce the risk of transmission in peacekeeping missions.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“First, we should keep peacekeeping operations moving in the right direction. We should adhere to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the fundamental principles for peacekeeping operations, as well as respect the ownership of host countries. That is key to the success of peacekeeping operations. The Charter of the United Nations explicitly calls for the political settlement of disputes, which is the ultimate goal of United Nations peacekeeping. The primacy of a political settlement should be reflected in every aspect of such operations. They should ensure smooth communication with host countries at all stages of deployment. The relevant issues must be addressed through timely consultations, and the sovereignty of host countries must be respected.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“Since peacekeepers carry out their missions, implement their mandates and face dangers on behalf of the United Nations, the Security Council should do its utmost to help resolve the problems they face. The safety and security of peacekeepers should be addressed with greater urgency. Under the special circumstances surrounding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, United Nations peacekeepers are fighting shoulder to shoulder with local peoples against the pandemic. It is a difficult time for United Nations peacekeepers. Indeed, peacekeepers in countries such as Mali and South Sudan have been infected. China stands with the United Nations and its Member States to jointly tackle the impact of COVID-19 on peacekeeping operations and advance the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative. I wish to make the following points.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“It plays an irreplaceable role in helping to stabilize the situation in host countries and create the conditions for a political settlement. Therefore, peacekeeping operations overall have been given positive recognition and been supported by Member States. Meanwhile, we must acknowledge the challenges they face. At present, being deployed in conflict areas, peacekeepers bear the brunt of wars and conflicts. They have a stronger yearning for peace, higher hopes for the United Nations and greater expectations for peacekeeping operations. At the same time, peacekeeping operations are faced with threats such as the escalation of violence, terrorism and disease.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting, and Under- Secretary-General Lacroix for his introductory remarks. I also wish to thank the Force Commanders of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for their briefings. We marked the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers just last week. Today, through the Commanders, I wish to once again pay tribute to all military personnel deployed in the 13 United Nations peacekeeping missions for their efforts, sacrifice and contribution. United Nations peacekeeping is an important instrument for maintaining international peace and security.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll both in China and many European countries. Our European friends reached out to us with a helping hand, and we returned the favour with medical and technical assistance as early as we could. We are ready to work with the EU in fighting this battle together, and are firmly supporting the United Nations and World Health Organization in playing a leading role. We will join hands with European countries to continue to provide greater assistance to regions and countries in need.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“With its advanced economic development, the EU can work with the United Nations to provide greater financial and technical support to developing countries based on their needs, help them achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, eliminate the root causes of conflicts and achieve sustained peace through sustainable development. China has always attached great importance to its relations with the EU. We support the European integration process and are happy to see a united, stable and prosperous Europe. This year marks the forty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the EU. We are ready to further deepen mutual trust with the EU, enhance cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral forums and jointly make new contributions to world peace, stability and prosperity.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“The United Nations and the EU need to uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and jointly promote global security governance in order to achieve common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. We must stick to the peaceful settlement of disputes through such diplomatic means as dialogue, consultation, good offices and mediation, and we must respect the sovereign equality of all countries and their right to independently choose their development paths. Thirdly, the United Nations and the EU should actively promote sustainable development.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“The founding and development of the United Nations and the EU are examples of multilateralism. As unilateralism and populism are on the rise, the United Nations and the EU need to jointly uphold multilateralism and build a community of shared future, through promoting mutual trust, shouldering responsibilities, ensuring equality and seeking win-win cooperation. Secondly, the United Nations and the EU should work for a more secure global environment. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic proves once again that all countries are connected and interdependent. Facing every sort of complex and severe risk and challenge, no country can stand alone.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“The European Union (EU) is the world’s largest regional integration organization and an important partner of the United Nations and its Security Council. China welcomes the efforts made by the European Union in maintaining international peace and security. As the world of today is undergoing profound changes, it is faced with growing uncertainties and challenges. China supports the United Nations and its Security Council in deepening their cooperation with the EU, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. Against this backdrop, the United Nations and the EU should work closer on the following areas. First, they should deepen their collaboration in order to firmly uphold multilateralism. Multilateralism is a collective choice made by humankind to avoid the cost of a world war.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“Double standards or selective approaches will only damage the authority of the Council. A human life is of greater value than anything else. We must take a people- centred approach in dealing with any issue on the Council’s agenda. It is the moral obligation of the international community to do whatever it can to take pragmatic and effective measures in order to ensure the safety and dignity of civilians in armed conflict.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Any violation of international humanitarian law, such as threats or attacks against civilians in armed conflict, should be investigated and punished in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, the international community should respect the national judicial system of countries concerned and not impose external measures. We should bear in mind that foreign occupation and interference, terrorist activities, unilateral sanctions and many other factors also lead to civilian suffering, and its perpetrators must be held accountable. The protection of civilians should not be politicized or used as an excuse for interference in internal affairs or even regime change. Those who invoke international law must also submit to it. The Security Council should adopt a consistent position in all situations on its agenda.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Fourthly, national Governments must bear the primary responsibility to protect their civilians. United Nations peacekeeping operations should work closely with Governments and strictly follow their mandate when fulfilling the responsibility to protect civilians. United Nations agencies and other humanitarian entities need to engage actively with affected Governments and respect their sovereignty so as to develop trust and facilitate humanitarian operations. The guiding principles of humanitarian emergency assistance, as set out in General Assembly resolution 46/182, must be respected and upheld. The International Committee of the Red Cross has served as a role model in that regard.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“All parties should prioritize the interests of the people and take proactive measures to combat the virus. Unilateral sanctions severely undermine the capacity of vulnerable countries to respond to the pandemic, thereby exacerbating civilian suffering. We call on relevant countries to lift unilateral sanctions immediately and join global efforts to combat the virus, including by supporting the leading role of the World Health Organization. China has provided medical assistance and sent medical teams to countries in armed conflict in order to help them fight COVID-19. At the recently held World Health Assembly, President Xi Jinping announced five significant measures to boost international cooperation against the pandemic. We will continue to deliver support to countries in need.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Thirdly, all parties to conflicts must fulfil their obligation, under international law, to protect civilians. The Geneva Convention, international humanitarian law and the relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 1265 (1999), and other resolutions concerning women, children, medical personnel and missing persons, must be fully implemented. We urge all parties to conflicts to refrain from the asymmetric use of force in densely populated areas. There should be zero tolerance of harming civilians. It is also critical for all parties to give special attention and care to vulnerable groups — particularly women and children — and to facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access. The COVID-19 pandemic civilians in armed conflict at further risk.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Preventing, de-escalating and resolving conflicts by peaceful means is the most effective way to protect civilians. At present, armed conflict continues in certain areas, resulting in a high number of civilian casualties. We urge all parties concerned to respond positively to the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire and to move towards political settlement through inclusive dialogue. The fundamental principles of international law, such as the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition of the threat or use of force, must be upheld. Many prolonged conflicts are a product of violations of the Charter of the United Nations and other basic international law. For example, the people of Syria and Iraq have endured years of suffering due to the use of force unauthorized by the Security Council. That should not happen again.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Only by addressing the root causes can we break this vicious circle. Sustainable and inclusive development is key to achieving long-term stability and sustaining peace. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development must be effectively implemented, with poverty eradication as the first priority. There are only 10 years left for us to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It is time for action. China firmly supports the Secretary-General’s Decade of Action initiative and calls on the international community to jointly pursue innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development. Secondly, the Security Council should work tirelessly to prevent and peacefully resolve conflicts through political dialogue, mediation and negotiation.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“The Secretary-General’s most recent report (S/2020/366) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict presents a bleak picture of ongoing civilian suffering in armed conflicts. In 2019, the United Nations reported more than 20,000 civilians killed and injured and millions of civilians displaced as a result of attacks in 10 conflicts. China strongly believes that the paramount importance of protecting civilians in armed conflict can never be overemphasized. We therefore call for in-depth discussions and concrete Council action on this issue. First, we must address the root causes of conflicts and promote development for peace. That is the best way to protect civilians. In many cases, abject poverty and hunger trigger violence and conflict, which in turn undermine development and exacerbate poverty and food insecurity.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“China highly commends the initiative of convening this open debate via video-teleconference on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We welcome President Kaljulaid to the meeting and thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing. We also welcome the participation of President Maurer and Ms. Sirleaf. The international community, including the Security Council, has made tremendous efforts to protect civilians in armed conflict. The Council has adopted a number of resolutions and presidential statements in that regard. Nevertheless, our work still faces multiple challenges, compounded by evolving situations of conflicts and new risks, including the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. As they account for the vast majority of casualties, civilians bear the brunt of wars and armed conflicts.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“We fully support Palestine in building an independent and sovereign State on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. We will work closely with the international community in the pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“We commend United Nations agencies, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), for helping Palestine address the pandemic. The international community should scale up assistance to the Palestine people, including through increased financial support to UNRWA. China stands with the Palestinian people in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We have provided personal protective equipment and test reagents to Palestine and have held several videoconferences to share know-how and experience. The Palestinian people can also count on China’s continued support of their just cause to restore legitimate national rights.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“Concrete efforts must be made to implement resolution 2334 (2016), including ceasing all settlement activities, stopping the demolition of Palestinian-owned structures and preventing violence against civilians. More efforts are also needed to advance the political process and pave the way for the early resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, the land for peace principle and the Arab Peace Initiative. In the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, we encourage Israel and Palestine to strengthen public health cooperation, and Israel to lift the blockade against Gaza.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“Such a plan, if implemented, would seriously violate international law and relevant United Nations resolutions and imperil the two-State solution. The two-State solution is the only viable way forward to resolve the Palestinian question. We urge the relevant parties to stop any unilateral actions and refrain from escalating conflict and tension. It is also our firm position that no country should back such unilateral actions. China shares the view that the Security Council should discharge its mandate and do its part to prevent such dangerous unilateral actions. The Palestinian question is at the root of the turbulence in the Middle East. The issue is indeed testing human conscience and international justice. Independent statehood is the inalienable national right of the Palestinian people and it is not something to be traded.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for the briefing. During our previous video-teleconference on the situation in the Middle East (see S/2020/341), Mr. Mladenov warned the Council against the dangerous prospect of the annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank. He shared his concern with us again today, which is widely echoed by the international community. We have heard the loud and clear voice of Palestinian people. The League of Arab States, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and many other United Nations Member States have also reasserted their objection in that regard. China is also deeply concerned about reports of the plan to annex part of the occupied Palestinian territory.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria must be respected under any circumstance. It is also our view that the humanitarian issue in Syria should be dealt with in an integrated and impartial way. We call on all parties to continue to engage in a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). Civilians and their livelihoods must be protected. In that connection, we reiterate the urgency of the immediate lifting of unilateral sanctions, which not only hinder medical supplies, but also undermine a country’s capacity to mobilize resources, develop its economy and improve people’s livelihoods. There is no way to justify unilateral sanctions. We call for more analysis on the humanitarian implications of sanctions in future reports on the Syrian humanitarian issue.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“The Syrian Government has maintained close contact with the United Nations in conducting cross-line operations as well as assessment missions. We encourage further cooperation and coordination in that regard. The relevant parties should enhance political dialogue and remove all obstacles that hinder cross-line humanitarian access to the north-west and north-east of Syria. With regard to cross-border humanitarian assistance, our position has been clear and consistent. We agree that all forms of humanitarian operations should be modified to meet the new challenges posed by the pandemic and take into full account the needs of the Syrian people. Meanwhile, we should remember that the cross-border mechanism was established as a contingency or temporary measure.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“As we have stated repeatedly, the Syrian Government bears the primary responsibility for improving the humanitarian situation in Syria, including preventing and containing the spread of COVID-19. Its role cannot be replaced. The Syrian Government has taken responsive measures to raise public awareness of the virus and reduce the risk of community transmission. Those efforts should be acknowledged. We encourage the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, other United Nations agencies and the international community to help strengthen Syria’s capacity to respond to the pandemic. China has provided medical assistance to Syria to combat COVID-19, and we will continue to do so. Concerning cross-line humanitarian assistance, we are pleased to see improvement in the scale of such operations.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for his briefing. We have also studied very carefully the report of the Secretary-General on cross-line and cross- border operations in Syria (S/2020/401). We welcome the presence of colleagues from Syria and from Turkey to participate in this meeting. China is paying close attention to the humanitarian situation in Syria. We are worried that the humanitarian situation could be further exacerbated by the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We welcome the ceasefire appeals made by the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy, and we call on all parties to enhance mutual trust and jointly safeguard the well-being of the Syrian people.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“We need to further explore ways to strengthen the capacity-building of the Council and increase its preparedness for emergencies in the future. Further efforts should be made to provide stable technical support and sufficient conference service. The world looks to the Security Council whenever international peace and security comes under threat. This is pressure indeed, but it is also a driving force. China will work with other Council members to build on the good practices and improve the Council’s working methods. Together, we can ensure the Council’s ability to safeguard peace and security for the world with concrete actions.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“Meanwhile, China supports the Council in improving itself on the basis of observing the United Nations Charter and its provisional rules of procedure so as to better address the new circumstances and challenges in discharging its mandate. COVID-19 is posing a formidable challenge to the work of the Council. The good thing is the Council keeps working and never stops. In March, with the joint efforts of all Council members, including China, we devised new working modalities for emergencies. For the first time, the Council held video-teleconferences and adopted resolutions through written procedures. These practices have enriched the Council’s working methods and improved its working mechanism, enabling it to deliver tangible results at a difficult time.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source