China is deeply disappointed that the U.S. vetoed a United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution that would have called for humanitarian pauses in Gaza, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday during a regular press briefing.

The Brazilian-drafted resolution won the support of 12 of the 15 members of the Security Council on Wednesday. The U.S., which has veto power, was the only council member that voted against it. Britain and Russia abstained.

Mao urged the Security Council to listen to the call from Arab countries and Palestinian people, play its due role in ceasefire, protecting civilians and preventing bigger humanitarian disaster.

China supports the Security Council to play a responsible role as well as all efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict and restoring peace, and welcomes any initiative conducive to the protection of civilians and the alleviation of humanitarian crises, she said.

On Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, in an explanation of her country's vote, said the U.S. "is disappointed this (draft) resolution made no mention of Israel's right of self-defense."

Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, said China expects all members of the Security Council to face up to their responsibilities under the UN Charter, respond to the expectations of the Palestinian and the Israeli peoples and the international community.

(Cover: The UN headquarters in New York, U.S., October 18, 2023. /CFP)