China Rejects UN Security Council Resolution on Strait of Hormuz

China’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, said Beijing voted against a draft UN Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the text failed to address the root causes of the conflict and risked escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking after the vote, Fu Cong said the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has already caused significant damage to regional and global stability, as well as disruptions to the global economy and energy markets.

He accused Washington and Israel of launching military strikes against Iran without Security Council authorisation and while negotiations were still ongoing, describing the actions as violations of the UN Charter and basic principles of international relations.

At the same time, Fu stressed that China does not support attacks on Gulf states or disruptions to maritime navigation, calling for the protection of civilians, non-military infrastructure, and key shipping routes. He urged all sides to restore stability in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

China said it had engaged constructively in discussions on the draft resolution submitted by Bahrain on behalf of Gulf states, but ultimately rejected it because it included what Beijing described as one-sided language, including condemnation and provisions that could be interpreted as justifying the use of force.

Fu warned that adopting such a resolution could send the wrong message and potentially provide legal cover for further military operations, drawing comparisons with past international interventions that led to prolonged instability.

He called on the Security Council to focus on de-escalation, dialogue and negotiations, rather than measures that could intensify the conflict.

China also urged the United States and Israel to halt military actions against Iran, while calling on Iran to stop attacks on facilities in the Gulf and address the concerns of neighbouring countries.

Fu praised mediation efforts by several countries, including Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, as well as the role of the United Nations in seeking to reduce tensions and address humanitarian concerns.

He also highlighted a joint initiative by China and Pakistan calling for an immediate ceasefire, the start of peace talks, protection of civilian infrastructure, and the safeguarding of maritime navigation.