China at the UNSC after US-led strikes against Syria: 'Use of Force in International Relations is Unacceptable'

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu's full speech at the UN Security Council on April 14, 2018, after the USA, UK and France carried out unilateral strikes against Syria.

Text and subtitles: unz.com/sayedhasan

Transcript:

Thank you Mr. President. 

I would like to thank Mr. Secretary General for his briefing. 

Only yesterday, we were gathered here for a meeting on the situation in Syria, during which China made clear its position on the issue of Syria and expressed profound concern over the sudden escalation of the tensions in Syria. We made a clarion call for a political solution to the situation in Syria.

I would like to restate the following. 

China has consistently stood for peaceful settlement of disputes and against the use of force in international relations. We advocate respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of all countries. Any unilateral military action that circumvents the Security Council contravenes the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, violates the basic norms enshrined in international law and those governing international relations, and handicaps the settlement of the Syrian issue with new compounding factors.

We urge all parties concerned to refrain from any move that may lead to a further escalation of the situation, return to the framework of international law and solve the issue through dialogue and consultation. 

China considers necessary to mount a comprehensive, impartial and objective investigation of the suspected chemical weapon attack in Syria to arrive at a reliable conclusion that can withstand the test of History. Until that happens, no party must prejudge the outcome.

To solve the Syrian issue, there is no alternative to political settlement. The parties concerned in the international community should continue to support the role of the United Nations as the main mediator and work together unremittingly towards a political settlement of the issue of Syria.

Mr. President, I would like to restate that China stays ready to continue its positive and constructive role in the effort towards a political settlement of the Syrian issue in the interest of peace and stability in the Middle East and in the world at large.

Thank you, Mr. President.