New York, November 3, 2023 – China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Geng Shuang, delivered a statement on Monday opposing external interference in Syria’s internal affairs and emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Syria’s security and stability. Geng’s remarks came during a UN Security Council meeting addressing political and humanitarian issues in Syria. Against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region, particularly along the Syrian-Israeli border due to the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict, Geng called for restraint among all parties to prevent the further spread of conflict and preserve regional security.
China’s stance on the matter is clear: non-regional countries, especially major powers, should maintain objectivity and impartiality while playing a constructive role in de-escalating the situation. Geng highlighted the contradiction of calling for de-escalation on one hand and taking actions that exacerbate tensions on the other.
Terrorism remains a pressing concern in Syria, and Geng reiterated China’s strong condemnation of the recent terrorist attack at Syria’s Homs Military Academy. He expressed firm support for the Syrian government’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure national security and stability. In this context, Geng emphasized the need for a resolute approach to address terrorist forces operating within Syria.
China’s position on the humanitarian crisis in Syria has remained consistent and clear. The nation supports the United Nations and the Syrian government in fostering constructive interactions and implementing new cross-border humanitarian relief arrangements while fully respecting Syria’s sovereignty and the leadership of the Syrian government. Geng urged all parties involved to intensify their efforts to remove obstacles hindering cross-border relief operations.
One critical issue addressed by Geng was the insufficient humanitarian funding for Syria. He argued that unilateral sanctions have hindered the Syrian government’s capacity to mobilize resources for reconstruction and development. He called for these sanctions to be lifted unconditionally and as soon as possible to alleviate the humanitarian situation in the country.
Geng’s statement reflects China’s commitment to respecting the sovereignty of nations and advocating for peaceful resolution to conflicts, while also emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing the complex challenges faced by Syria.
The Security Council Meeting
China’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Geng Shuang, made his statement during a UN Security Council meeting convened to address political and humanitarian issues in Syria. The meeting provided a platform for member states to express their views and concerns regarding the evolving situation in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict.
Tensions Along the Syrian-Israeli Border
The backdrop to Geng’s statement is the escalating tension along the Syrian-Israeli border. The Palestine-Israel conflict, a long-standing source of regional instability, has flared up once again, contributing to a precarious situation along the border shared by Syria and Israel. As the conflict intensifies, there is growing concern that the instability could spill over into neighboring regions, including Syria.
China’s Call for Restraint
In his address, Geng Shuang urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and prevent the further escalation of the conflict. He emphasized that allowing the conflict to spread would have dire consequences for regional security and stability. Geng’s call for restraint aligns with China’s longstanding foreign policy principles of non-interference and peaceful conflict resolution.
China’s Plea for Objectivity and Impartiality
One of the central points of Geng’s statement was China’s plea for non-regional countries, particularly major powers, to remain objective and impartial in their approach to the situation in Syria. He highlighted the inconsistency of calling for de-escalation while simultaneously taking actions that contribute to heightened tensions. China’s stance underscores its commitment to diplomacy and peaceful coexistence.
Condemnation of Terrorism in Syria
The ongoing threat of terrorism within Syria remains a significant concern. Geng Shuang reaffirmed China’s condemnation of terrorism and expressed strong support for the Syrian government’s efforts to combat terrorist forces. This clear and unequivocal stance reflects China’s commitment to addressing security challenges while respecting Syria’s sovereignty.
Humanitarian Crisis and Cross-Border Relief
China’s position on the humanitarian crisis in Syria is anchored in its support for the United Nations and the Syrian government in facilitating positive interactions and implementing new cross-border humanitarian relief arrangements. Geng called for the removal of obstacles that hinder these relief efforts. This position underscores China’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.
Lifting Unilateral Sanctions
Geng Shuang emphasized the pressing need to address the issue of unilateral sanctions imposed on Syria. He argued that these sanctions have not only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis but have also hindered the Syrian government’s ability to mobilize resources for reconstruction and development. He called for the unconditional and prompt lifting of these sanctions to help alleviate the situation in Syria.
China’s statement at the UN Security Council meeting highlights the nation’s commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, respect for sovereignty, and the pursuit of peaceful solutions to conflicts. It underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex issues such as the situation in Syria and the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict. As tensions persist in the region, China’s call for restraint, objectivity, and humanitarian relief efforts reflects its dedication to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.
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