Zhang Hanhui, China’s ambassador to Russia, says Beijing and Moscow helped prevent a new escalation in the Middle East through coordination at the United Nations Security Council.
In an interview with Russia’s state news agency TASS, the Chinese envoy said China and Russia have maintained “close communication and coordination” on Middle East issues since tensions in the region intensified.
According to the report published Wednesday, Zhang explained that the UN Security Council voted on April 7 on a draft resolution related to maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said China and Russia vetoed the resolution because of what he described as its “serious imbalance.”
“The representatives of China and Russia prevented further escalation in the region by vetoing this document,” Zhang stated.
Reports indicate that the resolution, introduced by Bahrain with support from the United States and several Arab countries, received 11 votes in favor, two votes against, and two abstentions.
The resolution aimed to guarantee freedom of commercial navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid recent regional tensions.
The Chinese ambassador said Beijing and Moscow’s positions were based on “neutrality and fairness,” describing the veto as “a responsible choice for the peace and prosperity of the region’s people.”
He also referred to ongoing discussions between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov regarding the crisis between the United States and Iran.
Political analysts say the close coordination between China and Russia at the UN reflects growing strategic cooperation between the two powers in countering Western influence and US-led policies in the Middle East.
Experts also note that the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz is increasingly becoming part of a broader geopolitical competition among major global powers, extending beyond regional security concerns alone.
