China defends UN Syria vote veto
China's foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin
China has said it was forced to veto a United Nations vote on Syria because it was called before differences in the proposal were bridged – but it insists that it wants to play a constructive role in ending violence in the country.
China and Russia have drawn the wrath of the United States and Europe for the weekend veto, which they say blocked a UN attempt to end nearly 11 months of bloodshed, raising fears that the violence will escalate.
But Beijing says the resolution put undue emphasis on pressuring the Syrian government and prejudged the result of any dialogue between the parties in Syria.
Foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said today that he had no information on whether China plans to send an envoy to Syria, as Russia is doing.
Mr Liu told a news conference that the vote on the UN resolution was forced before all parties had agreed on it.
“Such practices do not help maintain the unity and authority of the UN Security Council, nor does it help to properly solve the issues,” he said.
Mr Liu rejected criticism that China was favouring the government of Syrian president Bashar Assad, whose regime has vowed to continue its military crackdown.
“On the issue of Syria, China is not sheltering anyone nor do we intentionally oppose anyone. We uphold justice and take a responsible attitude,” Mr Liu said.
The Syrian uprising, inspired by other Arab Spring revolts, began in March with peaceful protests against Assad’s regime. That sparked a fierce crackdown by government forces, and led to some soldiers defecting to join the uprising.
In recent months, the rebel soldiers, known as the Free Syrian Army, have grown bolder, attacking regime troops and trying to establish control in pro-opposition areas. That has brought a heavier government response.
More than 5,400 people have been killed since March, according to the UN, and now regime opponents fear that Assad will be emboldened by the feeling he is protected by his top ally – Moscow.
Meanwhile, activists said Syrian troops were heavily shelling areas of the central city of Homs today.
The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group said today’s bombardment hit a makeshift hospital, causing casualties.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 12 people were killed in the intense shelling.
“We did not sleep all night,” Majd Amer, an activist in Homs, said by telephone. Explosions could be heard in the background.
The shelling comes two days after another heavy bombardment.
Activists said Saturday’s shelling was the deadliest incident of the uprising, killing more than 200 people in a single day.
The regime denied any bombardment, and there was no way to independently confirm the toll.
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