China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong on Wednesday urged Israel to fulfill its obligations to ensure sufficient and unimpeded humanitarian deliveries into the Gaza Strip.
At a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Fu said China strongly condemned Israel's recent airstrikes on the refugee camps in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of numerous innocent civilians.
He said that China firmly opposes politicizing humanitarian issues, using hunger as a weapon and using humanitarian assistance as a bargaining chip.
"Israel, as the occupying side, should earnestly fulfill its obligations, immediately open all land border crossings, ensure adequate and rapid access for humanitarian supplies into Gaza and protect the safety of humanitarian agencies and personnel for the safe and orderly distribution of supplies," said Fu.
On Tuesday, a draft resolution on the situation in Gaza was submitted by Algeria, which demands a halt of Israeli military operations in Rafah, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of detainees.
However, Alternate Representative of the United States for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations Robert A. Wood maintained that the very draft resolution would not be helpful for the situation in Gaza.
"Any kind of additional product on the situation right now probably is not going to be helpful. It's not going to change the situation on the ground," said Wood.
So far, the United Nations Security Council has been continuing to discuss the content of the draft resolution, with no time being set for the vote.
Chinese envoy calls on Israel to ensure sufficient, unimpeded humanitarian deliveries into Gaza
Chinese envoy calls on Israel to ensure sufficient, unimpeded humanitarian deliveries into Gaza
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
