According to a report on the website of the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations dated June 23, Sun Lei, the Chinese Deputy Representative to the United Nations and Special Representative, made an explanatory statement after the Security Council voted on a resolution to strengthen accountability for acts of attacking peacekeepers.
Sun Lei said that United Nations peacekeeping operations are an important means of maintaining international peace and security. As a firm supporter of peacekeeping efforts, a major contributor to such operations, and co-chair of the ‘Friends Group on the Safety of United Nations Peacekeepers’, China pays close attention to the safety issues of peacekeepers. China welcomes the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2823 by the Security Council, and commends Denmark and Pakistan for their efforts in promoting this resolution. This also demonstrates the unity of action of the Security Council and the widespread support from the international community.
Sun Lei emphasized that currently, the international security environment is complex and intricate, and peacekeepers face both traditional and non-traditional security threats. In particular, there have been several recent attacks that resulted in casualties among peacekeepers. The progress in investigating and holding accountable those responsible is not satisfactory. It is therefore necessary and urgent for the Security Council to take further actions. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and relevant Security Council resolutions. China supports the adoption of this resolution by the Security Council and its effective implementation, sending a clear message to the international community that the safety of peacekeepers must not be violated, and those responsible for such acts should be severely punished. China extends its highest respect to all United Nations personnel who serve in peacekeeping operations and sacrifice their lives for the cause of world peace.
Sun Lei said that China actively participates in United Nations peacekeeping operations. It is the second largest contributor to such operations and the largest troop contributor among the permanent members of the Security Council. To date, China has dispatched more than 50,000 peacekeepers to participate in 29 United Nations peacekeeping operations authorized by the Security Council. It has also formed a peacekeeping standby force of 8,000 personnel and took the lead in establishing the world's first fully organized permanent peacekeeping police unit. More than 20 Chinese peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives during these operations, including a female peacekeeper. We are willing to continue working closely with the Secretariat, host countries, and other troop contributors to implement this resolution. By taking practical actions, we will contribute to establishing a safe line of defense for the Blue Helmets and make greater contributions to maintaining international peace and security.
