China says it is in favor of the UN Security Council acting “meaningfully” in the Gaza conflict

China said on Friday that it was in favor of the UN Security Council taking action to put a stop to the violence in Gaza, but it did not state whether Beijing, a permanent member of the council with veto power, would back a US draft resolution emphasizing the need of an immediate ceasefire.

“China supports the Security Council in taking further responsible and meaningful actions as soon as possible to make unremitting efforts to end the fighting in Gaza at an early date,” Lin Jian, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry,

A draft resolution on the need of “an immediate ceasefire” will be presented to the Security Council for voting on Friday. The United States has consistently obstructed requests for a truce in Gaza.

The United States has often used its veto power in the UN Security Council to prevent the international body from requesting a rapid ceasefire in the Palestinian area since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7.

US officials have been drafting an alternate wording that supports diplomatic efforts on the ground for a six-week ceasefire in return for the release of hostages since their previous veto at the end of February.

“An immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides, allow for the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance, and alleviate humanitarian suffering” is included in the most recent version, which AFP was able to see.

This supports “diplomatic efforts to secure such a ceasefire in connection with the release of all remaining hostages.”

Nevertheless, the wording states that a ceasefire is necessary rather than using the phrase “call,” which Russia claims is too ambiguous.

Beijing hesitated when asked whether it agreed with the resolution on Friday.

“The international community expects the Security Council to earnestly fulfil its responsibilities,” Lin said.

“On the Palestinian-Israeli issue, we must respect history and facts, listen to and respect the position and voice of the majority of Arab countries, realise a ceasefire and end of fighting as soon as possible,” he said.

“This is the yardstick by which we measure the Security Council’s actions and decisions,” he said.