Image Credits - Zhang Jun on X
On Wednesday, China took over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for November, with a particular emphasis on addressing the Palestine-Israel conflict. China’s UN Ambassador, Zhang Jun, unveiled the nation’s key agenda as the rotating president of the UNSC for November during a press briefing held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Zhang, China’s permanent representative to the UN, stated during a news briefing on China’s presidency that the focus of the Security Council this month is on the Palestine-Israel situation and emphasized the necessity of working towards a cease-fire. He stated that the UNSC will work towards preventing ongoing hostilities, minimizing civilian casualties, averting a more extensive humanitarian crisis, and curbing the conflict from spreading further.
As of Thursday, the Gaza Strip’s Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, reported that the number of Palestinian casualties had exceeded 9,000. Israeli authorities stated that over 1,400 people in Israel have lost their lives.
In his role as the current president of the Security Council, Zhang expressed China’s commitment to heeding the international community’s appeals and collaborating with relevant stakeholders. He emphasized the Council’s dedication to taking effective and responsible collective actions in a timely fashion.
He further conveyed that China’s approach, in light of the current situation, the Council’s responsibilities, and the expectations of all parties, is to advocate for the Security Council to undertake measures, fulfill its obligations under the UN Charter, demonstrate its dedication, facilitate de-escalation efforts, and support diplomatic initiatives.
He added that there will be an emphasis on urging the Security Council to delve into the root causes, considering the intricate interplay between developmental challenges and security issues, and exploring more comprehensive solutions from a broader perspective.
Zhang also mentioned that there will be efforts to encourage the Security Council to refine its operational procedures, bolster unity and collaboration among its members, increase its influence and effectiveness, and respond more adeptly to the intricate and evolving global situation.
He stated that the Security Council’s agenda for the month will encompass matters pertaining to Syria, Yemen, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Additionally, it will address the UN assistance mission in Sudan, the UN mission in the Central African Republic, and the extension of sanctions authorization in Somalia. The Council will also conduct its customary annual dialogue with the UN peacekeeping police commissioner.