Remarks by China's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong at the Arria-Formula Meeting on 'Bridging the Implementation Gap: Security Council Resolutions and the[...]

Colleagues,

China is pleased to co-host this Arria-formula meeting with Pakistan. I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari, Director Thompson, and Director Gowan for their briefings, and welcome all colleagues attending today's meeting.

Security Council resolutions are important tools for the Security Council in maintaining peace, preventing conflicts, and resolving disputes. They embody the collective will of the international community. The significance of Security Council resolutions lies not only in their adoption, but even more importantly in their implementation. Failure to effectively implement resolutions not only undermines the authority of the Security Council, but also wastes the international community's willingness and efforts to resolve problems, and may even lead to the deterioration of crises and the escalation of conflicts. At a time when the world is experiencing profound turbulence and transformation, the international community must make greater efforts to implement Security Council resolutions. I would like to make four points.

First, we must firmly uphold the legal authority of Security Council resolutions. The binding force of Security Council resolutions derives from the legal status conferred by the UN Charter. They constitute obligations that all Member States must fulfill, rather than optional choices. All parties must comply with the Charter, genuinely respect the legally binding nature of resolutions, and implement them fully, promptly, and faithfully, so as to safeguard the credibility of the United Nations and uphold the seriousness and authority of Security Council resolutions through concrete actions. No country should apply double standards in implementing resolutions based on its own interests, nor should any selectively implement provisions according to its own preferences.

Second, we must address the implementation deficit of Security Council resolutions. The Security Council should not only adopt resolutions, but also promote their implementation. It should pay attention not only to emerging crises requiring new resolutions, but also to longstanding issues that remain unresolved despite existing resolutions. Resolutions that have long failed to be effectively implemented should be subject to necessary review. Obstacles encountered in the implementation process should be examined and addressed. Outdated provisions in resolutions should be adjusted and updated in a timely manner. The UN Secretariat, special missions, and subsidiary bodies of the Security Council have the responsibility to provide the Council with timely reports on implementation progress, risks, and challenges, thereby providing an objective basis for the Council's decision-making. The United Nations should also strengthen coordination and cooperation with regional organizations in order to generate greater synergy in implementing resolutions.

Third, we must effectively enhance the implementability of Security Council resolutions. The drafting process of Security Council resolutions has a direct bearing on their implementation outcomes. Experience has shown that resolutions based on extensive consultations, taking into account the legitimate concerns of all parties and reflecting broad consensus, are more likely to gain international support and be fully implemented. Penholders should proactively strengthen consultations with Security Council members, parties concerned, regional countries, and UN institutions during the drafting process, so as to ensure that draft resolutions are objective, impartial, and inclusive, and avoid pushing through drafts that are highly contentious and lack broad support. Permanent members of the Security Council should lead by example by engaging in early communication and coordination on major resolutions, building consensus, and reducing confrontation and division.

Fourth, we must oppose unilateral actions undertaken without Security Council authorization. Under the UN Charter, the Security Council is the only international body authorized to mandate enforcement actions. While faithfully implementing Security Council resolutions, all parties must also uphold the Security Council's primary responsibility for international peace and security and respect its authority in authorizing enforcement measures. Any unilateral military action undertaken without Security Council authorization is unacceptable. Unilateral sanctions that go beyond the scope of Security Council resolutions lack legitimacy. Attempts to circumvent the UN Charter and undermine the role of the Security Council must be firmly opposed.

Colleagues,

There is a Chinese saying: "Actions speak louder than words." Last year, at the critical historical juncture marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, President Xi Jinping solemnly put forward the Global Governance Initiative. The Initiative emphasizes an action-oriented approach, calling on all parties to take concrete actions in upholding multilateralism, reforming and improving the global governance system, and strengthening the role of the United Nations. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China will continue, guided by the Global Governance Initiative, to promote the full, effective, and timely implementation of Security Council resolutions, safeguard the role and authority of the United Nations and the Security Council, and make unremitting efforts to maintain international peace and security.

Thank you.