China assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for May on Friday. Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations and president of the Security Council for the month said the council's work will focus on revitalizing the authority of the UN Charter and the role of the United Nations, advancing a political settlement of the Middle East issue, and promoting stability and development in African countries.

The world has seen growing turbulence in recent years, with conflicts increasing, divisions widening and the multilateral system, along with international law, under considerable strain, he said. He called for urgent action from the international community to strengthen the authority of the UN Charter and the role of the United Nations, in an effort to prevent the world from "relapsing into the jungle" and "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war."

In this context, Fu said, the Security Council will convene a high-level open debate in May under the theme of upholding the purposes and the principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system.

The council's second priority is to advance the political settlement of the Middle East issue, he said.

"We must urge the relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint, bring an end to the fighting, resolve disputes through diplomatic means, and work towards de-escalation," he noted.

On the Palestinian question, Fu said the situation in Gaza and the West Bank "remains deeply concerning" and the foundation for a two-state solution is being eroded. He called on the Security Council to urge relevant parties, Israel in particular, to fully observe the Gaza ceasefire agreement, ensure humanitarian access and stop settlement activities.

He also urged the Security Council to send a clear message in support of Lebanon's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and to promote a cessation of hostilities and aid the Lebanese government in stabilizing the domestic situation and guaranteeing its people's basic livelihood.

The third priority is stability and development in African countries, the ambassador stated.

While hotspot issues on this continent have always been high on the council's agenda, Fu said, the Security Council will maintain its focus on Africa and support efforts in resolving African issues through African solutions.

"We encourage dialogue and consultation among relevant parties to ease tensions and resolve disputes," he said, calling on the international community to scale up humanitarian and development support to help the countries concerned strengthen their capacity for self-driven development and address the root causes of conflict.