UNITED NATIONS: China expressed support for the United Nations (UN) Security Council to review Palestine’s bid for UN membership on Friday.
The General Assembly’s emergency session endorsed a resolution, affirming Palestinian self-determination, recognizing their eligibility for full UN membership, and urging the Security Council to reassess their application.
China’s permanent representative to the UN, Fu Cong, stressed Palestine’s necessity for full UN membership during his speech at the Tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly.
Fu emphasized the long-standing cyclical nature of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, resulting in generations of Palestinians living in displacement under occupation. He underscored that full UN membership is a crucial step in fulfilling the Palestinian people’s aspiration for independent statehood.
Palestine should have equal status to Israel, and it is the international community’s collective responsibility to support and advance the process towards Palestinian statehood, thereby ensuring the implementation of the two-state solution and fostering lasting peace in the Middle East, according to Fu.
In light of recent developments, Fu expressed regret that “Palestine’s application for full UN membership was mercilessly vetoed by the United States in the Security Council on April 18.” He criticized the U.S. for obstructing efforts to address historical injustices against Palestine, stating that this action is “incommensurate with the role of a responsible major country.”
China welcomes this historic resolution, which reflects international consensus, Fu said, adding that China co-sponsored the resolution and hoped the relevant country to avoid creating additional delays or obstacles.
The resolution also grants Palestine additional rights and privileges to participate in UN activities. Fu clarified that these measures serve as redress for historical injustices endured by Palestine. And these provisions, adopted within UN Charter limits, will enhance Palestine’s voice in international forums and promote dialogue with Israel on more equal terms.
Fu stressed that these measures are exceptional and not precedent-setting, expressing confidence in Palestine’s eventual full membership and equal rights within the UN.
