China abstains from UNGA vote on Ukrainian nuclear facilities

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday passed a resolution demanding Russia "urgently withdraw its military and other unauthorized personnel" from Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and return it to the full control of Ukrainian authorities.

The 193-member assembly adopted the resolution with 99 votes in favor, nine against and 60 abstentions. Russia voted against the draft. Brazil, China, India and South Africa abstained.

Following the vote, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, emphasized China's independent judgment on the matter and its longstanding commitment to a political resolution of the Ukrainian crisis.

Fu reiterated China's opposition to armed attacks on nuclear power plants and other peaceful nuclear facilities, urging all parties to exercise restraint and adhere to international humanitarian principles and the norms of scientific rationality.

"China believes that a ceasefire and seeking a political solution serve the interests of all parties," Fu stated. "Our immediate focus should be on preventing escalation and creating conditions conducive to direct dialogue and negotiations."

Fu expressed disappointment with the resolution's failure to prioritize dialogue and negotiation or address fundamental European security concerns.

"The draft resolution did not highlight the urgency of promoting dialogue and seeking a political solution, nor did it emphasize the need to fundamentally address European security issues and construct a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture," he remarked, clarifying China's decision to abstain.

China has consistently advocated respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter in resolving the Ukraine issue, Fu added. He stressed that China has no self-interest in the matter and continues to play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement.