China stresses cautious use of UN Security Council veto amid calls for reform

In response to recent remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres regarding the potential limitation of veto powers within the United Nations Security Council, China’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its measured and responsible approach to the use of this significant prerogative.

The Chinese diplomatic corps emphasized that the veto right, vested in the permanent members of the Security Council under the UN Charter, inherently carries with it a unique responsibility to uphold international peace and security, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“The UN Charter grants the permanent members of the Security Council the right of veto, which reflects their special responsibility for maintaining international peace and security,” the ministry stated.

Highlighting China’s longstanding position, the ministry underscored that Beijing has consistently exercised its veto power with prudence and a profound sense of duty. “China, as a permanent member of the Security Council, has always exercised the veto power with caution and a sense of responsibility and will continue to act in the same manner going forward,” the statement added.

Earlier, UN Secretary-General António Guterres asserted that reform of the Security Council is imperative, given that its current composition reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 rather than the contemporary global landscape, thereby undermining its legitimacy and effectiveness. He further expressed a measured endorsement of proposals—particularly those advanced by France and the United Kingdom—to curtail the use of veto power, especially in instances involving widespread human rights violations.

By Vafa Guliyeva