New York (United Nations) 31 October 2025 (SPS) – China reiterated its commitment to a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution for Western Sahara, while explaining its decision to abstain from voting on the Security Council resolution renewing the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).
Speaking after the vote, the Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations highlighted Beijing’s consistent and clear position on the Western Sahara issue, emphasizing the need for consultations among all parties on an equal footing and in accordance with relevant Council resolutions.
“China supports a just and lasting solution acceptable to all parties reached through consultations among parties as equals on the basis of the relevant Council resolutions. China supports the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General in continuing to step up mediation efforts for further progress in the political process on the basis of an in-depth understanding of the concerns of the parties,” the Ambassador stated.
China’s abstention, as clarified by the Ambassador, reflects its support for a balanced and inclusive process while signaling that the resolution did not fully capture the latest developments or accommodate all necessary consultations.
“It is China's hope that future Council discussions on the resolutions on MINURSO’s mandate can reflect the latest changes of the situation. We also hope that the penholder can facilitate full consultations of the Council to garner broader consensus.”
This criticism of exclusion imposed by the US which unilaterally dominates the drafting of all resolutions on Western Sahara voices similar criticism expressed by Russia, Pakistan and other member states, whose amendments and positions were not taken into consideration by the US as the self-proclaimed-Penholder.
The Chinese delegation also acknowledged the positive contributions of MINURSO over the years in maintaining stability and supporting the political process, and welcomed improvements in the Mission’s logistical support.
Through this explanation of vote, China reaffirmed its principled stance in favor of a peaceful, fair, and enduring settlement in Western Sahara, emphasizing that any future solution must be negotiated inclusively and accepted by all parties.
It should be recalled that during the same vote, Russia and Pakistan abstained, while Algeria refused to participate, considering the text of the resolution unbalanced and inconsistent with UN principles regarding the resolution of the conflict in Western Sahara. (SPS)
090/500/60 (SPS)
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