China calls for holistic approach to UN peacekeeping

Liu Jieyi (C), China's permanent representative to the United Nations, addresses the UN Security Council Open Debate on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations at the UN headquarters in New York, Aug. 29, 2017. China on Tuesday called for a holistic approach to UN peacekeeping, stressing the need to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of host countries. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

China on Tuesday called for a holistic approach to UN peacekeeping, stressing the need to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of host countries.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said the global organization has different priorities and focuses in the four stages of conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peace building and sustainable peace, which are interconnected and must be managed in a holistic manner.

"The fundamental way to maintain enduring peace and common security is to abide by the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, work together to build a community of shared future for mankind, promote a global governance system featuring broad consultation, joint efforts and shared benefits, and practice a new security concept that is common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable," he said in an open debate at the Security Council about peacekeeping missions.

The most important consideration in resolving inter-state disputes is to commit to the UN Charter's purposes and principles and basic norms governing international relations, and safeguard nations' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The Security Council must incorporate the above-mentioned principles in its work and discourage tension, said the Chinese envoy.

In addressing internal conflicts in nations, the Security Council must observe the principle that all countries are sovereign and equal whose internal affairs should not be interfered with, respect the will and leadership role of countries concerned, provide constructive assistance so that they can find a way to advance the political process and facilitate reconciliation by taking into account their particular national conditions, he said.

Conflict prevention must aim at maintaining peace and stability, said Liu. Targeted measures must be taken on the basis of the types and root causes of the conflicts.

UN peacekeeping operations must formulate explicit, viable and focused mandates in keeping with the specific countries' situations while taking into account the myriad factors facing the needs and the security environment of the host countries, he said. Liu also stressed the need to have periodic reviews and to adjust the missions in a dynamic manner.

Peace building should set the strengthening of political security and development capacity as its overall goal so as to promote the transition of conflict situation toward development and reconstruction, he said. "Peace building should respect country ownership, advocate accommodation and democratic consultation."

Sustainable peace and sustainable development are mutually reinforcing and independent and peace relies on development as its foundation, said Liu. The United Nations should enhance investment in development field, he said.

China is an active contributor to UN peacekeeping missions with 2,514 blue helmets working in nine regions, said Liu. China is willing to work with the international community to forge a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation and promote the new security vision of universal security and common prosperity, he said.