By Janet Ekstract-Pia Bozyel – NEW YORK- On Tuesday, in a formal statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry praised the passing of a new United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution on Gaza. In a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the passage of such a resolution aligns the UNSC in the right direction and that it fulfills what the international community has been calling on Israel to do. Lin added “We call on the parties concerned to fulfill their obligations under the UN Charter and to take due action as required by the resolution.” In its statement, China reminded Israel that the council’s resolutions are “binding on Israel.” The U.N. Charter makes it clear that all Security Council resolutions are legally binding under international law. The current resolution that was passed on March 25, calls for an “immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties, leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire.” The resolution also demands an “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs.” After the resolution passed, China’s Ambassador to the U.N. Zhang Jun speaking to the Council, commented: “If fully and effectively implemented, (the resolution) could still bring long awaited hope. Security Council resolutions are binding.” Lin also said that Beijing’s expectations include states with major influence, playing a positive role between both parties involved and using any and all effective means to support facilitation of the resolution.
Lin said that China will continue to work with all parties to make a concerted, committed effort to reach an early ceasefire in Gaza, relieve the dire humanitarian situation and to advance implementing a two-state solution. He also urged the UNSC to maintain its role in closely monitoring the situation in Gaza and to fully prepare for any additional actions required to guarantee the UNSC resolution is fully implemented in a prompt and timely manner. According to analysts on China, Beijing makes efforts to balance its economic relationship with Israel versus appearing to fully support the Palestinians. In previous conflicts such as in 2012, China had urged “all relevant parties, the Israeli side, in particular, to exercise maximum restraint,” while in 2014, China called for a ceasefire by stating “To counter violence with violence will not help resolve problems other than pile up more hatred.” In 2021. Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing “strongly condemns violent acts against civiilans and once again urges both parties to the conflict to immediately stop military and hostile actions…Israel must exercise restraint, in particular.” But since Israel went to war with Hamas, China’s rhetoric has changed significantly. An example is a call on October 15, last year when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang with the Saudi foreign minister, condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as “beyond the scope of self-defense”- going so far as to describe Israel’s actions as collective punishment. Meanwhile, according to press reports, China’s official state media had ratcheted up criticism of Israel including anti-Semitic tropes, to which Israeli officials had expressed their “deep disappointment” with China’s stance.
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