China urges end to opposition against Palestine’s UN accession
China has called for an end to opposition against Palestine's bid for membership in the United Nations (UN), ahead of a possible vote at the UN Security Council.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin emphasized Beijing's support for Palestine's UN membership aspirations, urging relevant countries to refrain from obstructing resolutions regarding Palestine's accession to the UN.
The renewed backing from China follows the UN General Assembly's recent endorsement of a resolution advocating for the reassessment of Palestine's UN membership bid, along with the grant of additional rights.
Introduced by the United Arab Emirates on behalf of the Arab Group, the resolution received overwhelming support, with 143 member states voting in favor. The resolution recommends the Security Council to consider the matter favorably.
However, the United States was among nine countries that opposed the resolution, while 25 others, including the UK, abstained from voting.
Palestine originally applied for full UN membership in 2011 but faced a US veto at the Security Council. Nonetheless, it attained "permanent observer status" in 2012.
Membership decisions in the UN are made by the council, and last month, the US vetoed Palestine's bid for full membership.
Against the backdrop of ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, which have resulted in significant casualties, China's call for support underscores the urgency of addressing the Palestinian issue on the international stage. (ILKHA)