According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, allowing the conflict to continue “means more civilian casualties, a greater humanitarian catastrophe that only sows more seeds of hatred. (…) On issues related to war and peace, life and death, influential powers must play a constructive role in quelling the flames of war, must do everything possible to reduce the number of civilian casualties, and must stand on the side of peace and life,” she emphasized.

Beijing expressed its regret over Washington’s veto of the project, which was presented by the United Arab Emirates on behalf of the Arab states and widely supported by the remaining members of the Security Council.

China previously supported the mediation of the UN and its Secretary General, António Guterres, in the Israel-Palestine conflict and in the face of the serious humanitarian situation in Gaza.

According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, China pledged to “continue to play a constructive role” and maintain dialogue with all relevant parties to reach a ceasefire.” The spokesman stressed that the Security Council, as the only organ of the UN with the authority to issue binding resolutions to Member States, must take more timely measures to save lives and alleviate the situation.

The draft resolution presented by the UAE was supported by 13 members of the Security Council, but was vetoed by the United States, while the United Kingdom abstained from voting.

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