UN Security Council to Vote on Hormuz Strait Resolution; China Opposes Use of Force

Since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of February, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy artery, causing international oil prices to surge.

The United Nations Security Council, with Bahrain as its annual rotating president, is leading the resolution on the Strait of Hormuz. During negotiations, the draft has been revised multiple times to avoid opposition from countries like China and Russia.

According to the latest version seen by Reuters, all clauses explicitly authorizing the use of force have been removed.

The new draft explicitly states: "Strongly encourages states intending to use the commercial shipping lanes of the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate and take defensive measures commensurate with the actual situation to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

The text notes that this includes "escorting cargo ships and commercial vessels" and also supports "deterring any actions that obstruct or close shipping in the Strait of Hormuz."

Diplomats pointed out that the "watered-down" resolution has a high chance of passing, but uncertainties remain because, according to regulations, a resolution must receive at least 9 affirmative votes from the 15 Security Council members, and none of the five permanent members—the United Kingdom, China, France, Russia, and the United States—can exercise their veto power.

Bahrain's initial draft, proposed on the 2nd, originally intended to authorize "all necessary defensive means" to protect commercial shipping, which was supported by Gulf Arab states and the United States. However, the voting procedure for the draft was repeatedly delayed during meetings on the 3rd and 4th.

China opposed the proposal to authorize the use of force on the 2nd, stating that it would "legitimize illegal indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably escalate the situation and lead to serious consequences."

Iran stated on the 6th that it wants to end the war completely but refused pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump warned that if Iran failed to reach an agreement by the deadline, the evening of the 7th, Iran would be "destroyed."

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated after a phone call with the Russian Foreign Minister on the 5th that China is willing to continue cooperating with Russia in the Security Council and work to help de-escalate the Middle East situation.

Wang Yi pointed out that the fundamental solution to the Strait of Hormuz issue is to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible.

Reuters reported that China is the largest buyer of oil transported through the Strait of Hormuz globally. (Compiled by Chi Chin-ling) 1150407