18-4-2024 (JAKARTA) China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, has leveled scathing criticism at the United States’ position within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), accusing Washington of arrogance and calling for immediate implementation of the agreed-upon ceasefire resolution in Gaza.
Wang Yi’s remarks came after a meeting with Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building in Central Jakarta on Thursday (18/4/2024). The talks initially centered on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has raged for more than half a year since October 7, 2023, until the UN Security Council adopted a ceasefire resolution.
According to Wang Yi, the US, Israel’s staunchest ally, has repeatedly vetoed draft resolutions approved by other countries in the UN Security Council. He further alleged that the US abstained when the UNSC adopted Resolution 2728, which called for a ceasefire in Gaza during the month of Ramadan in March 2024.
“This attitude shows that in the United States, international law is just a tool that they use according to their wishes,” Wang Yi said, expressing his frustration with Washington’s stance.
“As is known, every member country, the decisions of the UN Security Council based on the UN Charter are binding. All members are responsible for obeying them,” he continued, emphasizing the obligatory nature of UNSC resolutions.
Wang Yi stressed that the UNSC Resolution was binding on all UN member countries, with resolutions ranging from imposing sanctions to approving the mandate of peacekeeping forces. He urged the US to shed its “arrogant habits” and comply with the resolutions agreed to by the UN Security Council, calling on Washington to fulfill its responsibility in implementing the ceasefire resolution in Gaza to protect Palestinians from Israeli attacks.
“The UN Security Council should not become a tool for certain countries to play and do whatever they want,” he asserted, denouncing the perceived abuse of power within the international body.
“It is hoped that the United States will change its arrogant habits and cooperate as one of the ordinary members of the Security Council, cooperate with other members of the Council in carrying out its responsibilities and to implement Resolution 2728, to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and save the Palestinians at this time,” Wang Yi concluded, issuing a stern call for action.
