RT reported that on April 7, Russia and China vetoed a draft resolution concerning the Strait of Hormuz at the United Nations Security Council. The draft, proposed by Bahrain and other countries, deemed Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz a threat to international peace and security, calling for the protection of navigation freedom and urging escort services for commercial vessels.
It is reported that 11 countries voted in favor, while Colombia and Pakistan abstained. Due to the opposition votes from Russia and China, the draft resolution failed to pass.
The veto by China and Russia on the Security Council draft regarding the Strait of Hormuz on April 7 represents a key diplomatic coordination effort between the two nations amid the current Middle East crisis. This move serves both as an intentional "brake" to prevent escalation and as strategic support for Iran.
The draft, initiated by several Gulf states, primarily demands that Iran immediately cease its alleged "threats" to navigation freedom in the Strait of Hormuz, and "strongly encourages" countries to take coordinated "defensive" measures—including escort operations. Notably, to secure support from China and Russia, the language of the draft was significantly softened, with the original authorization for "taking all necessary means" (i.e., military force) removed.
Reasons cited by China and Russia for their opposition:
1. Opposition to presumption of guilt: They argue the draft unfairly singles out Iran without mentioning the fundamental cause—the illegal military strikes by the U.S. and Israel—creating a profound imbalance.
2. Opposition to dangerous precedent: Even though the clause authorizing military action was removed, passing this resolution would amount to endorsing one side in the conflict, thus setting a "dangerous precedent."
3. Opposition to exacerbating tensions: They believe that in light of the U.S. issuing extreme threats such as "destroying an entire civilization," adopting this resolution would send the wrong signal and undermine peaceful mediation efforts.
Iran expressed strong approval, stating that the veto prevented the Security Council from becoming a tool for legitimizing aggression.
Russia stated that this would effectively grant the U.S. and Israel a "blank check" to continue their aggression, and is currently collaborating with China to draft an alternative proposal that is "fair and balanced."
This move has completely closed off any possibility of the Security Council authorizing coercive measures. It reinforces the image of strategic alignment among China, Russia, and Iran, and once again highlights the deep divisions within the Security Council on major geostrategic security issues.
In summary, China and Russia’s veto was a deliberate strategic action aimed at preventing further escalation and avoiding bias toward any party. Objectively, it has preserved limited diplomatic space for a political solution.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861842378404864/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.