China sharply criticized the United States for vetoing a United Nations Security Council draft resolution that called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the removal of restrictions on humanitarian aid. The veto, cast on Wednesday, marked the fifth time the U.S. has blocked a Gaza ceasefire resolution since the conflict’s escalation in October 2023, drawing fierce condemnation from China’s permanent representative to the UN, Fu Cong.
The resolution, proposed by the E-10 group of non-permanent Security Council members, including Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia, garnered 14 votes in favor, with the U.S. standing alone in opposition. It demanded an immediate halt to hostilities, the release of all hostages, and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid to address the dire crisis in Gaza, where over 2.1 million people face famine and displacement.
Fu Cong expressed China’s “deep disappointment” with the vote’s outcome, emphasizing that the resolution reflected the most pressing demands of the people in Gaza and the overwhelming voice of the international community. He accused the U.S. of abusing its veto power, stating, “The United States has once again abused its veto power, extinguishing the glimmer of hope for the people in Gaza and ruthlessly continuing to leave over 2 million people in darkness. It must face the questioning from the international community.”
Fu Cong called for the U.S. to face international scrutiny for its actions, accusing it of obstructing the Security Council’s ability to address the conflict effectively.
The U.S. defended its veto, with Acting Ambassador Dorothy Shea arguing that the resolution failed to condemn Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel or demand that the group disarm and relinquish control of Gaza.
China’s strong stance signals a broader push for accountability, urging the international community to challenge the U.S.’s role in prolonging the conflict. As the war in Gaza continues, the veto underscores the deepening divide within the Security Council and the challenges of securing unified action.
