China assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council on 1 May. China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, said the main priorities for May would be to strengthen the authority of the UN Charter and the role of the United Nations, promote a political solution to the situation in the Middle East, and support the stability and development of African countries.

Fu Cong pointed out that the world has faced increasing upheaval in recent years. Conflicts are on the rise, divisions between states are deepening, and the multilateral system and international law are under considerable pressure. The international community, he said, should take urgent steps to strengthen the role of the UN so that the world does not return to the „law of the jungle“ and so that future generations are protected from the horrors of war.

In this context, the Security Council will hold a high-level open debate in May on respecting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the international system based on the central role of the United Nations.

The second priority is to support a political solution to the situation in the Middle East. Fu Cong called on all parties involved to exercise restraint, end the fighting and resolve disputes diplomatically.

On the question of Palestine, he said that the situation in Gaza and the West Bank remained very worrying and the foundations of a two-state solution were weakening. The Security Council, he said, should call in particular on Israel to fully respect the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, ensure humanitarian access and halt settlement construction.

Fu Cong also called for clear support for the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Lebanon and for supporting the government there in stabilising the situation and ensuring the basic needs of life for the population.

The third priority of the Chinese Presidency is to promote stability and development in Africa. Fu Cong stressed that the Security Council will continue to support solutions to African problems through African initiatives. He called for dialogue, consultation and increased humanitarian and development assistance to help countries on the continent address the root causes of conflict.

CMG