China expresses firm support for UNRWA at UN meeting

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong on Wednesday reiterated his country's firm support for UNRWA and expressed its serious concerns over and condemnation of Israel's systematic steps to suppress UNRWA.

Fu delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly Informal Meeting on UNRWA, or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Near East. For the past year, said UNRWA Commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini at the meeting, UNRWA had been a lifeline for the people of Gaza. At least 239 UNRWA personnel had been killed, and if UNRWA collapses, millions of Palestinians will be plunged into chaos, he said, urging the UN to stop Israeli Knesset's legislative action.

Riyad Mansour, permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, pointed out that the legislative action is another evidence of Israel's genocide in Gaza, and is also a violation of the UN Charter and international laws.

Fu said UNRWA was established in accordance with the mandate of the GA resolution. Israel's national legislation violates its obligations under the UN Charter and international law, he noted.

Fu stressed that UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian assistance in the region, supporting the lifeline of two million people in Gaza. Preventing UNRWA from delivering assistance will, as a direct consequence, aggravate the hunger, disease, and suffering of the people in Gaza. It is typical collective punishment and a violation of international humanitarian law, he said.

"Israel's allegations against the neutrality of UNRWA are untenable. The Independent Review Group appointed by the Secretary-General has issued its report and has made it clear that UNRWA has in place a significant number of sound mechanisms to ensure its neutrality and to ensure that it is capable of timely responses to and accountability for any breaches," said Fu.

The pressing priority is to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, said Fu, adding that China supports the General Assembly and the Security Council in taking all necessary actions to this end, and will continue tireless efforts together with the international community.

The Israeli parliament passed on Oct 28 two legislations to prohibit UNRWA from operating in the country, and ban Israeli authorities from any contact with the agency.

China expresses firm support for UNRWA at UN meeting

China expresses firm support for UNRWA at UN meeting

A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities on Thursday wrapped up their nine-day visit to Taiwan. They set off for Taiwan on Nov. 27 and visited universities, historical sites, scenic spots, as well as sports, sci-tech and cultural venues on the island, widely engaging with locals throughout the tour.

The delegation made the tour at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation.

"The young people from both sides of the Strait share the same root, and we are having a harmonious communication this time. We also welcome young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland for exchange," Cao Yibo, a student from Peking University, told reporters during the tour.

The delegation included table tennis Olympic champion Ma Long who studies at Beijing Sport University, and air rifle Olympic champion Yang Qian of Tsinghua University.

"In the future, I would like to visit Taiwan again. I did not expect that so many compatriots in Taiwan would come to welcome and us and pay so much attention to our exchange tour," Ma said.

Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, saw off the delegation at the airport on Thursday, and said the mainland students and teachers had received Taiwan residents' heartfelt welcome wherever they went.

"The farewell dinner party was held yesterday evening, when almost all students from the mainland shared their feelings. What moved me so much is that every one of them thanked people here, because the latter sincerely and warmly welcomed them wherever they went during the nine-day tour. They told me that when they go back, they will tell their relatives and friends that people in Taiwan are kind, hospitable and warm. I believe that is the most important purpose of the exchange across the Strait," he said.

Calling youth exchanges a foundation of cross-Strait relations in the future, Hsiao said the foundation will carry on and continue to promote such exchanges across the Strait.

This is the second delegation of mainland teachers and students visiting Taiwan at the invitation of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, following the visit by a first delegation in July last year.

Delegation of mainland university students, teachers wraps up Taiwan visit