China opposes use of chemical weapons, supports UN's role

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China supports an investigation of the alleged use of chemical weapons in Douma, Syria, a Chinese envoy to the United Nations said Monday.

"China supports a comprehensive, objective and impartial investigation of the incident concerned so that a conclusion that is based on substantiated evidence and that can stand the test of history and facts can be reached, so that the perpetrators and responsible parties can be brought to justice," Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council.

Wu Haitao, China Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations gives a speech during a UN Security Council meeting on chemical weapons in Syria at United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States on April 4, 2018. /VCG Photo

The reports of the latest chemical attack in Syria and of the related civilian casualties are of grave concern to China, said Wu.

"China's position on chemical weapons has been consistent and clear: we are firmly opposed to the use of chemical weapons by any state, organization or individual under any circumstances. Any use of chemical weapons, whenever and wherever, must not be tolerated."

The question of chemical weapons in Syria is closely linked with the political settlement of the Syrian issue, he said. "China supports the Security Council and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in continuing to play an important role as a main channel for addressing the chemical weapons in Syria."

China's Foreign Ministry on Monday also said it supports an investigation into a suspected chemical attack on the Syrian town of Douma, and reiterated its opposition to the use of chemical weapons.

A Syrian man mourns on the dead bodies of children after an alleged chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Douma in Syria. /VCG Photo‍

"We resolutely oppose the use of chemical weapons by any country, any organization, any person, for any reason, under any circumstances," spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Geng Shuang said on Monday during a regular press briefing.

"China supports conducting a comprehensive, objective and just investigation into the relevant incident, whose results can stand the tests of history and an examination of the facts, and will bring the responsible party to justice under the law," the spokesperson added.

He said the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons should continue their role as the main channels for dealing with such issues.

The United Nations Security Council meets on threats to international peace and security and the situation in the Middle East, in New York, April 9. /VCG Photo

The alleged gas attack late on Saturday killed at least 60 people, including children, in rebel-held Douma, a town near the capital Damascus, according to aid workers.

The attack has been blamed on the government of President Bashar al-Assad, with the US announcing on Monday that it will make a decision on how to respond within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Read more: Alleged Syria chemical attack: Trump vows quick action, Putin warns against provocation

Geng called on all parties to "promote peaceful settlement" of the strife, when asked about a deadly air strike on a Syrian air base following the alleged attack.

"We hope that all parties concerned will adopt a constructive attitude and seek a proper solution through consultations to maintain the unity of the Security Council and cooperate with relevant parties in advancing Syria’s political process," Geng said.

Syrian state media reported that "several missiles" had hit the T-4 base in Homs, central Syria, just before dawn on Monday, killing at least 14 people, including Iranian personnel, in a move first blamed on the US then Israel.

(With inputs from Xinhua)