According to the website of the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations, on October 1st, Sun Lei, the Chinese Deputy Representative to the United Nations, spoke at a special meeting on the issue of veto rights.
Here is the full text:
Chairperson,
Currently, tensions in the Middle East have persisted, and the political process towards resolving Iran's nuclear issue is stuck in an impasse. Any actions that exacerbate tensions and undermine dialogue and negotiations should be rejected. Any opportunity that can help ease the situation and promote diplomatic efforts should be cherished. China stands on the side of peace, on the side of dialogue, and on the side of history's rightness. We have voted against the draft resolution of the Security Council regarding sanctions on Iran. I would like to further emphasize the following points:
Firstly, China voted against the resolution in order to uphold a correct sense of right and wrong. The current dilemma regarding Iran’s nuclear issue stems from the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the comprehensive agreement, its extreme pressure on Iran, and its use of force twice during negotiations with Iran. The European Union failed to fulfill its obligations under the comprehensive agreement and did not exhaust all available procedures for resolving disputes related to the agreement. The initiation of “quick sanctions” has legal and procedural flaws. Resolution 2231 of the United Nations Security Council has expired, and the Security Council has ceased to consider Iran’s nuclear issues. Distorting the history of Iran’s nuclear issue and forcefully pushing for the reimposition of sanctions at the Security Council, as well as advocating for controversial draft resolutions, will undermine the unity and authority of the Security Council, hinder diplomatic efforts, and we firmly oppose such actions.
Secondly, China voted against it in order to maintain a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. The continuation of the US-Iran conflict does not serve the common interests of the parties involved and the international community. Only by resolving the legitimate concerns of all parties through dialogue and negotiation, and reaching solutions that benefit all parties, can we effectively prevent the continuous expansion of economic, energy, and food-related adverse effects. The top priority for the international community is to encourage parties such as the US and Iran to choose peace, resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation, restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East Gulf region at an early date.
Third, China voted against the resolution in order to address proliferation concerns effectively. As a non-nuclear state party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Iran should fulfill its commitment to not develop nuclear weapons. Iran’s legitimate right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes should be respected. Military actions by certain countries against Iranian nuclear facilities that are under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards pose significant security risks and create real difficulties for cooperation between Iran and the agency. The United States and Iran should resolve their differences through rational and pragmatic negotiations. The United States should commit not to use force again, ensuring that Iran can carry out peaceful nuclear activities under strict Agency safeguards.
Fourth, China voted against the resolution in order to ensure long-term stability in the Middle East. Peace and stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved through external interference and bipolar confrontation. Misinterpreting or even abusing Security Council resolutions, engaging in double standards and geopolitical agendas, will only undermine efforts by regional countries to rebuild mutual trust and achieve common security. The international community should support the right of the people of the Middle East to take responsibility for their own affairs, promote integration of regional interests, eliminate the soil for conflicts, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional countries, and play a constructive role in resolving the security dilemmas in the Middle East.
Chairperson,
China has always been extremely cautious when using its veto power. However, as a permanent member of the Security Council, China will never abandon its principles in matters of great importance and justice. China has no personal interests in the Iranian nuclear issue. Its primary objective is to uphold multilateralism and the authority of the Security Council, as well as to maintain the international nuclear non-proliferation system and regional peace and stability. China is willing to continue working with all parties to make unremitting efforts towards a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
