Addressing the United Nations Security Council during an open debate on the protection of civilians, China’s permanent representative, Ambassador Fu Cong, delivered a somber assessment of global instability. Citing recent reports, Fu noted that over 37,000 civilians were killed across more than 20 conflicts last year, while more than 100 million people have been displaced. The address served not only as a call for immediate humanitarian action but as a platform for Beijing to reiterate its vision for a multipolar security architecture.
Fu emphasized that civilians remain the primary victims of contemporary warfare, with conflicts in regions like Gaza and the Middle East reaching devastating levels of intensity. He argued that the international community must move beyond temporary humanitarian fixes and focus on the fundamental political resolution of these crises. To China, the restoration of peace is the only viable path to ensuring civilian safety, a stance that implicitly critiques the prolonged military engagements favored by some Western powers.
Central to Fu’s rhetoric was a sharp defense of international law and a rejection of what Beijing perceives as the selective application of global norms. He highlighted the increasing frequency of attacks on schools, hospitals, and humanitarian workers as evidence of a breakdown in the rules of war. Fu insisted that any 'double standards' in the enforcement of international humanitarian law are unacceptable, signaling China’s growing frustration with how international mandates are applied in different geopolitical contexts.
Beyond traditional combat, the envoy raised concerns regarding the rapid integration of artificial intelligence and drones into modern military operations. China advocates for the 'AI for Good' principle, asserting that lethal autonomous weapon systems must remain under human control at all times. This focus on technological ethics reflects Beijing’s desire to set the standards for emerging warfare, ensuring that technological superiority does not bypass humanitarian obligations.
Finally, Fu linked the concept of global security directly to economic development, a cornerstone of China’s Global Security Initiative. He argued that poverty and underdevelopment are the root causes of extremism and violence, and that sustainable peace can only be achieved by improving livelihoods. In this context, he condemned unilateral sanctions bypassed by the Security Council, suggesting they cripple a state's ability to govern and exacerbate civilian suffering during times of crisis.