Chinese envoy reiterates Japan 'not qualified' for UNSC permanent seat

China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, reiterated on Friday that Japan is not qualified to seek a permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Fu made the remarks during an intergovernmental negotiation session of the UN General Assembly on the question of equitable representation and increase in the membership of the Security Council.

In his statement, Fu said Japan has refused to reflect on its history of aggression, openly undermined the post-war international order and interfered in the sovereignty of other countries, posing new threats to regional peace and stability. "Such a country is simply not qualified to demand a permanent seat on the Security Council," he said.

Read more: China's UN envoy warns of 'head-on blow' if Japan intervenes in Taiwan question

One day earlier at a UN meeting, Fu also warned that any military involvement by Japan in the Taiwan question would face a "head-on blow." 

During the plenary meeting of the 2026 session of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the United Nations on Thursday, Fu said that Japanese leaders in recent years have acted against the tide of history. Japan has explicitly linked the Taiwan question to a so-called "survival-threatening situation," responded speculatively based on the Japan-U.S. alliance, and attempted to use "self-defense" as a pretext to intervene in the Taiwan question.

"These erroneous arguments have no legal basis," Fu stated. "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and how to resolve the Taiwan question is China's internal affair. No other countries have the right to interfere, let alone use force under the guise of so-called 'self-defense'."

Fu points out that such arguments betray Japan's obligation as a defeated country, violate the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, as well as the United Nations Charter's principles of respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in other countries' internal affairs.

"These claims pose a serious challenge to the post-war international order and should be met with vigilance and opposition from all peace-loving nations. If Japan, under any pretext, exercises the right of so-called 'collective self-defense' and intervenes in the Taiwan question, it will constitute aggression against China, and China will deal a head-on blow," Fu said. 

Broader UNSC reform

Addressing broader UNSC reform, Fu emphasized three points on Friday.

First, he stressed that the Security Council should not become a "club" for major or wealthy powers, and that reform must not benefit only a handful of countries.

Second, he called for enhancement of representation and voice for developing countries, urging that more small and medium-sized nations with independent foreign policies be brought into the Council. He emphasized the need to correct the historical injustice faced by Africa and to give priority consideration to Africa's demands.

Third, Fu said reform efforts should not be confined to the current global power structure but should instead be guided by a strategic and long-term vision.