China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, has explained China's veto of a draft resolution regarding the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Zhang stated that the draft resolution departed from the spirit of previous UN resolutions and promoted a dangerous logic of clash of civilizations and the justification of war. China's position is based on facts, law, conscience, justice, and the strong appeals of the Arab countries and the entire world.

The draft resolution, which focused on the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the protection of civilians, failed to be adopted due to the use of veto. The United States then introduced a new draft resolution that disregarded the consensus of Council members and included divisive elements beyond the humanitarian realm. Despite proposed amendments by several Council members, the sponsor made only cosmetic changes to the draft before rushing the Council to vote on it.

Zhang emphasized that China does not oppose the Council taking action but opposes the draft resolution's evasion of the urgent issue of ending the hostility. The resolution failed to call for an immediate ceasefire in clear terms, which Zhang considers irresponsible and extremely dangerous. China strongly condemns violence and attacks against civilians but opposes the draft resolution's failure to address the indiscriminate and asymmetrical use of force and the need for a thorough investigation into heinous attacks.

China also opposes the draft resolution's selective avoidance of referring to the root causes of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its failure to urge Israel to lift its siege on Gaza and rescind the evacuation order for northern Gaza. Zhang believes that such an evasive approach will only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. China acknowledges Israel's security concerns but opposes the draft resolution's attempt to establish a new narrative on the Palestinian question, ignoring the long-standing occupation of Palestinian territory and the issue of independent statehood for the Palestinian people.

China asserts that it has no selfish interests in the question of Palestine and will support any initiative that contributes to peace and facilitates Palestinian-Israeli reconciliation. Since the outbreak of the latest round of conflict, China has actively urged the Council to take meaningful actions and make binding decisions that respect facts, history, and the right direction. China is ready to work with Council members and the international community to end the hostility, protect civilians, avert further humanitarian catastrophes, and achieve a comprehensive and lasting solution to the question of Palestine.

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