China blocks UN condemnation of Myanmar coup

China has blocked a UN Security Council statement condemning the military coup in Myanmar.

On Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council met but failed to agree on a joint statement because it was not endorsed by China.

Diplomats said the restoration of democracy was the core element of the draft resolution prepared for the Council to release to the media after the closed-door conference, along with disapproval of the military operation and a call for the immediate release of all detainees, reports Global News.

The declaration, however, was not released because it needs approval from all 15 members of the council and the UN China and Russia missions said they wanted to send it for review to their capitals, the diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the meeting was closed. China's relations to Myanmar are strong.

The UN envoy for Myanmar Ambassador Christine Schraner Burgener urged the emergency meeting to ensure that "democracy is expeditiously restored" to Myanmar, but no immediate action was taken by the most influential body of the United Nations.

Schraner Burgener told the council that the Myanmar military's declaration of a state of emergency and detention of top leaders including Aung San Suu Kyi and dozens of lawmakers and civilian officials just as the new parliamentary session was about to open Monday "was surprising and shocking."

The military said the seizure of power was necessary because the government had not acted on the military's unsubstantiated claims of fraud in November's election in which Suu Kyi's party won a majority of seats.

Britain's UN ambassador, Barbara Woodward, the current council president, told reporters after the meeting that ambassadors echoed widespread international concerns about the military's action at the virtual session.

"And we welcome the role of regional partners … to resolve this crisis," including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, she said.

Brunei, which chairs the 10-nation regional ASEAN group, including Myanmar, issued a statement Monday noting the bloc's principles include "the adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms."

The statement encouraged "the pursuance of dialogue, reconciliation and the return to normalcy in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar."

But it made no mention of any action by ASEAN to take the lead in returning Myanmar to a democratic path.
At the United Nations, Woodward said: "Discussions will continue among council colleagues on next steps. I certainly hope that we will be able to speak with one voice."

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, called Myanmar "a friendly neighbour" Tuesday and expressed that, "whatever actions taken by the international community shall contribute to Myanmar's political and social stability, promote its peace and reconciliation, and avoid escalating the conflict and complicating the situation."

Myanmar has been a very difficult issue for the Security Council to take any action, but not impossible.

At the United Nations, Woodward said: "Discussions will continue among council colleagues on next steps. I certainly hope that we will be able to speak with one voice."

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, called Myanmar "a friendly neighbour" Tuesday and expressed hope that all parties "will properly handle their differences under the constitutional and legal framework and maintain political and social stability."

"Whatever actions taken by the international community shall contribute to Myanmar's political and social stability, promote its peace and reconciliation, and avoid escalating the conflict and complicating the situation," Wang said in Beijing.

Myanmar has been a very difficult issue for the Security Council to take any action, but not impossible.
"The Security Council must also impose a comprehensive global arms embargo on Myanmar, and crucially, refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court," she said.

US President Joe Biden's administration on Tuesday called the Myanmar military's action a coup, setting the stage for sanctions and other measures targeting what State Department officials said was "the very small circle of military generals" responsible.

While the US and other Western nations may impose sanctions on Myanmar, Security Council approval of targeted measures is highly unlikely. That would take a resolution, which China would likely veto.

Getting approval for a press statement remains a possibility, but not a certainty.

Sven Jurgenson, the UN ambassador for council member Estonia, supported the proposed statement, strongly condemning the coup and urging Myanmar's military to respect the 2008 constitution, allow Parliament to do its work, and "recommit to the peace process."