Remarks on the Middle East Situation by Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the China to the United Nations Ambassador Sun Lei at the UN Security Council[...]

President, 

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee for her briefing, and welcome the participation of the representative of Iran at today's meeting.

Recent developments in Iran have drawn widespread attention. China has taken note of the letter sent by the Iranian foreign minister to the UN Secretary-General. For some time now, the United States has continued its rhetoric on the situation in Iran and has openly threatened the use of force against Iran. As a result, clouds of war are gathering over the Middle East, and tensions in the region continue to escalate. 

China has always advocated the adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law. We oppose the threat or use of force in international relations, oppose imposing one's will upon other countries, and oppose any regression of the world to the law of the jungle. Sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs are the basic principles of international law and the most fundamental norms governing modern international relations. Iran is an independent sovereign state. Iran's affairs should be decided independently by its people. China supports safeguarding Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and calls on the international community to support the Iranian Government and people in overcoming the current difficulties and in maintaining national security and social stability. 

The use of force can never solve problems. It will only make them more complex and intractable. Any military adventurism would only push the region toward an unpredictable abyss. We call on the United States to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and abandon its fixation on the use of force, and call on all parties to exercise restraint and work together to play their due role in maintaining international peace and security. 

At present, the Middle East remains the most fragile region in the global security landscape, with the risks of turmoil and conflict persistently high. People of the region have a strong desire for peace and development. China has noted the grave concerns expressed by the vast majority of regional countries regarding military confrontation, as well as their sincere expectation for resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue. China hopes that the United States and other relevant parties will take seriously the voices of the international community and regional countries and do more for peace and stability in the Middle East, rather than the opposite. All countries should play a constructive role in promoting peace and ending conflicts, avoid exacerbating tensions, and refrain from adding fuel to the fire. 

President, 

Peace and development are the shared aspirations of all people. History has repeatedly proven that the obsession with force, relentless pressure, and wanton interference only generate more conflicts and hatred. No country has the power to dictate the future of another, and no action that defies international law can be tolerated. We call on the international community to stand on the right side of history and on the side of fairness and justice, and work tirelessly for peace and stability in the Middle East and peace and tranquility in the world. 

Thank you, President.