Presiding at UN, China pushes for cease-fire in Gaza

China has assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for November, with a focus on the situation in Palestine and Israel.

The situation in Palestine and Israel tops the Security Council's agenda in November, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN.

"It is imperative to promote a cease-fire and halt the fighting, prevent further civilian casualties, prevent a larger-scale humanitarian disaster and prevent the conflict from spilling over," he told reporters at a news briefing on the work of China's presidency of the Security Council.

Zhang said that China has been actively working for a cease-fire, peace and talks, while calling for calm between the parties.

"In the face of the current situation, what the Security Council needs to do is to take responsible and meaningful action to build greater consensus, make practical efforts, and send clear signals for the realization of a cease-fire, the protection of civilians and the alleviation of the humanitarian crisis," Zhang said.

"The fundamental way out of the Palestinian-Israeli issue is the implementation of the two-state solution, and any solution to the current situation cannot deviate from the two-state solution, let alone be imposed on Palestine," the ambassador said. "The future of Palestine should be decided by the Palestinian people themselves."

The presidency of the Security Council rotates among the 15 member states of the council monthly. China last held the rotating Security Council presidency in August 2022.

The Security Council has faced criticism for its perceived slow response to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

According to the Hamas-run health agency, more than 9,000 Palestinians have been killed and 32,000 injured since Israel launched a military operation in Gaza, while more than 1,400 people in Israel lost their lives, the vast majority in the Hamas attack on Oct 7.

"As the rotating president of the Security Council, China will respond to the calls of the international community and work with all parties concerned to promote responsible and meaningful collective action by the council in a timely manner," Zhang said.

Zhang emphasized that, based on the current situation and tasks facing the Security Council and the expectations of all parties, China will "push the Security Council to take action, fulfill its responsibilities under the UN Charter, demonstrate its commitment, promote the easing of tensions, and support diplomatic efforts".

"We should urge the council to focus on the root causes, look at the complex problem of the intertwining of the development deficit and the security deficit, and explore ways to solve it from a broader perspective," he said.

"We should push the Security Council to improve its working methods, strengthen unity and cooperation, enhance its authority and efficiency, and respond more effectively to the current complex situation," said Zhang.

Regarding the reform of the UN and cooperation between China and the organization, Zhang emphasized that the UN derives its strength from its member states, and their cooperation is crucial to tackle challenges.

China supports UN reform, especially for the Security Council, said Zhang, emphasizing the need to reflect the emergence of developing countries and enhance their representation.

At the news briefing, Zhang also introduced the Lu Ban Lock, one of the souvenirs China has prepared for the members of the Security Council. The Lu Ban Lock is a Chinese puzzle toy named after the legendary master carpenter Lu Ban. When arranged properly, all parts of the lock can be inseparable from one another without the need for nails, ropes or other connections.

"It is like the difficult problems currently facing the Security Council, which can be effectively resolved only through careful observation and analysis, the use of scientific methods and patience and confidence," said Zhang.

"China expects the members of the Security Council and the general membership to work closely together, just as the components of the Lu Ban Lock do, and to work together to promote positive results in the work of the Security Council," he said.

The Security Council will also consider issues related to Syria, Yemen and Bosnia-Herzegovina this month, according to Zhang. It will take action on the UN assistance mission in Sudan, the UN mission in the Central African Republic, and the extension of the authorization of sanctions on Somalia, as well as hold its annual regular dialogue with the commissioner of the UN peacekeeping police, he said.