China says UN Security Council must approve Iran deal

The deal to end the war in Iran will need the approval of the United Nations Security Council, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi indicated on Tuesday.

At the UN headquarters in New York, Yi said: “We believe that once an agreement is reached, it will be submitted to the UN Security Council for endorsement for it to have legitimacy and authority.”

The top diplomat advised the warring parties to stay committed to pursuing a ceasefire and shift ground so that peace can return to the Middle East as soon as possible.

Yi, however, reminded the UN of its obligation to ensure international peace and security, saying the Security Council must step forward and “shoulder its responsibilities.”

Beijing wants global powers to avoid bias in international affairs, noting that unilateral military actions and sanctions outside the UN framework undermine global peace and stability.

China also urged the international community to recommit to the principles of the UN Charter at a time of deepening geopolitical divisions and growing conflicts.

According to Yi, while the UN Charter “remains humanity’s best hope for peace,” it is only as strong as the commitment of those responsible for upholding it.

China, UN Security Council chair for May, hosted a high-level session under the theme: “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-centered International System.”

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, will attend a meeting of the “Group of Friends for Peace” on the Ukraine crisis in New York on May 28.

The Minister will also meet​ with the UN Secretary General and other foreign ministers, and visit Canada from May 28 to 30 ​at the invitation of the Foreign Affairs Anita Anand.