It gives me great pleasure to come and join all of you at the Conference on Global Governance and Security Council Reform. And there is no better place than Rome to host such an important gathering.
At our last conference here over two years ago (in February 2009), we joined forces to send to the world a strong, positive and unequivocal message supporting a genuine reform of the Security Council through intergovernmental negotiations. Today the reform process has come to a critical juncture once again. We are indeed grateful to the Government of Italy for initiating this ministerial conference so that we, the countries represented here can demonstrate our commitment and determination again and give a clear direction to the reform. Our thanks to our great host.
Dear Colleagues,
We might have different ideas about the specifics of the Council reform, just as we come from different parts of the globe. But one thing is clear. All of us are strong supporters of the reform, a reform that is necessitated by the needs and aspirations of entire membership of the United Nations, a reform that will bring about enhanced authority, higher efficiency, greater transparency and above all more balanced representation to the Council, so as to enable it to better fulfill its mandate under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security. This common vision should continue to guide our joint efforts to expand consensus and strengthen unity as we respond to the changing situation today. Here, let me try to outline China's position as follows:
First, priority should be given to addressing the concerns of the developing countries, especially African countries. The Security Council is at the core of international collective security mechanism, where all countries' vital interests are at stake. A large number of developing countries have joined the United Nations since 1965, but the composition of the Security Council has remained unchanged. Developing countries are seriously underrepresented at the Council. A reformed Council should effectively address this issue to adequately reflect the rise of developing countries on the international scene and accord priority to their concerns and interests. In particular, I wish to point out that nowhere else is such imbalance more striking and intolerable than in Africa. Africa has 53 countries and account for more than a quarter of the entire United Nations membership. The majority of agenda items of the Council are related to Africa. However, the outcome of such deliberations and indeed the fate of some African countries are so often determined with few African countries at the table. Therefore, no reform proposal deserves our support if it does not redress the past injustices done to African countries. No reform proposal could be considered fair if it does not aim at increasing the representation of developing countries, particularly African countries. We are confident that a united Africa, supported by all of us, will eventually gain its rightful place in the global system and see its aspirations fulfilled.
Second, a package solution should be our goal. Reform of the Security Council is comprehensive in nature, incorporating a variety of aspects that are closely interrelated and inseparable from each other. Such a complex project clearly requires an umbrella design and a package solution, with the increase of developing countries representation as the paramount objective. It will truly enhance the authority and effectiveness of the Council only when it is based on the broadest possible agreement among all United Nations members. It will stand the test of time only if it enjoys the confidence of and brings benefit to the overwhelming majority of countries. A piecemeal approach may satisfy the narrow interests of a few, but will certainly frustrate the aspiration of so many. Half-hearted efforts will only end up in half-baked reform. Such a scenario has never been what we ask for and should be firmly rejected.
Third, intergovernmental negotiations should continue to be the only proper mechanism for deliberation on the Council reform. The intergovernmental negotiations are endorsed by all member states and have made good progress. Given the major differences among various parties, we should persist in consultation and negotiations in a patient and democratic manner, so as to gradually narrow differences and arrive at a reform plan that accommodates the concerns of all parties and is based on the broadest possible agreement. Any move to bypass the intergovernmental negotiation mechanism will only result in even deeper division among the member states. Any attempt to force through a premature draft will only derail the reform exercise and undermine the prospects for any serious reform efforts in the future.
Dear Colleagues,
It is in this context that we approach the issue of "Regional representation", which is the key to any fair and lasting reform of the Security Council.
We are of the view that the following two principles should be observed on this important issue. The first one is equitable geographical distribution. No matter how the Council reform may proceed, we should, on a priority basis, increase the representation of the regions that are under-represented, especially Africa. We should also consider to address the other side of the coin, the issue of over-representation elsewhere in the world. The representation of different civilizations and cultures should also be taken into consideration. Small and medium-sized countries should have more access to the Council, especially its decision-making process. The second principle is that regional groups and organizations should play a bigger role. In our view, regional groups should be a key player in selecting new members, monitoring their performance and holding them accountable. Some regional groups have established the practice of sub-regional rotation in selecting non-permanent members. This is a good practice to ensure full representation of the whole region. It should be extended even further. In short, we are open to all creative ideas and proposals on the issue, and are ready to continue exploring common ground on it.
Dear colleagues,
The Security Council reform is our common endeavor. The voice of every United Nations member state, large or small, should count. We share the responsibility to work together for a package solution that garners the widest possible support. This is in the interest of the unity of member states. This is in the interests of the credibility of the organization. This is in the interests of world peace and stability. Let us bring home from this conference a firm and shared commitment to the package solution. We in China are willing and ready to go extra miles to find it, and we are certainly not alone on the journey. If all roads lead to Rome, Rome shall show the way to our common goal.
Thank you.