DIPLOMATIC CONFLICT AT UN: CHINA ACCUSES US OF “ABUSING VETO POWER” TO SHIELD ISRAEL

China has just issued a strong and official condemnation at the United Nations General Assembly, accusing the US of abusing its veto power at the Security Council (UNSC) to “shield” Israel, blocking international resolutions demanding a ceasefire and taking responsibility for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The US has justified its vetoes, saying that….

China’s ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, stated that Washington’s actions have made the UNSC “incomplete” and “paralyzed” in resolving the conflict, while allowing Israel to “blatantly violate” international law.

THE US VETOES FOR THE SIXTH TIME

The accusation comes after the US vetoed a draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza for the sixth time on September 18. The draft, which had overwhelming support from 14 of the 15 Security Council members, was blocked solely by the US veto.

The Chinese ambassador stressed:

“Without the repeated abuse of the US veto, the Security Council’s response to the Gaza crisis would not have been so inadequate.”

“Without the US shielding Israel, Council resolutions and international law would not have been so blatantly violated.”

China believes that the US’s unconditional defense of Israel has undermined the foundation of international law and eroded the credibility of the entire UN organization.

CHINA AND US GOALS

China’s view:

China calls for immediate and sustainable implementation of three conditions:

An immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

Alleviate the humanitarian disaster and condemn the “weaponization of humanitarian aid.”

A two-state solution is the only viable path.

US view:

The US has justified its vetoes, arguing that the blocked draft resolution “failed to condemn Hamas” and “failed to recognize Israel’s right to self-defense,” among other serious shortcomings. The US stressed that the UNSC’s action should not impede ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages and a lasting ceasefire.

The diplomatic spat underscores the deep divisions among the permanent powers (P5) at the United Nations over how to intervene and resolve the long-running Middle East conflict.