New York (Agencies): China has assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of February. As part of its presidency, China aims to reaffirm member states’ commitment to multilateralism and enhance global governance, according to Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations.
Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, noted that the world is entering a turbulent period, with conflicts worldwide reaching new highs since the Cold War. He highlighted the increasing call from the international community, particularly the Global South, for reforming and improving the global governance system.
“At the Security Council, solidarity and cooperation are replaced by division and confrontation. Very often, the Council has been unable to do anything in the face of major security crises. This situation cannot continue,” Fu stated during a press briefing on the Security Council’s program of work for the month.
Under its initiative, China will chair a high-level open debate on February 18, focusing on the theme of “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance.” The debate aims to encourage countries to revisit the original aspirations of the UN, reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism, and explore ways to reform and improve global governance, Fu explained.
Regarding global and regional issues, Fu emphasized that the Security Council will continue to focus on the Middle East, striving to find lasting political solutions. He stressed the importance of paying close attention to the ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring that humanitarian access remains open and unhindered.
Fu also highlighted the volatile political and security situation in some parts of Africa, noting the significant challenges in peacekeeping, peace-building, and humanitarian assistance. He urged the Security Council and the wider international community to maintain and increase their attention and support for Africa.
The UN Security Council comprises five permanent members—China, the United States, Britain, France, and Russia—and 10 non-permanent members. The presidency of the council rotates among its 15 member states based on the English-language alphabetical order of the countries’ names on a monthly basis. China last held the rotating Security Council presidency in November 2023.