China Calls for Reevaluation of UNIFIL Mission in Southern Lebanon

China's permanent representative to the UN, Fu Cong, has called for a reevaluation of the UNIFIL mission in southern Lebanon as he assumes the presidency of the Security Council for May. Highlighting the importance of the mission, Fu noted that most council members agree that now is not the time to withdraw UN peacekeepers. He awaits a report from the UN Secretariat in June to clarify China's position. Fu expressed pride in leading the council and emphasized a commitment to fairness and transparency in its operations, aiming to enhance cooperation and maintain international peace and security.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 2, 2026, 18:08 IST

China's Stance on UN Peacekeeping in Lebanon

On Saturday, Fu Cong, the permanent representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations, expressed his honor in assuming the rotating presidency of the Security Council for May. According to reports, Fu highlighted that one of the key issues under consideration is the future of the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. He referenced a resolution passed by the Security Council last August, stating that there should be a reconsideration regarding the decision to withdraw UNIFIL. Since the Israeli invasion in 1978, UN peacekeepers have been stationed in southern Lebanon, but last year, all 15 members of the council voted to end the mission by the end of 2026.

Fu stated that he believes most members of the Security Council agree that now is not the right time to withdraw UNIFIL from that region. China is awaiting a report from the UN Secretariat in June, after which it will clarify its position. In a post on social media, Fu remarked that taking on the rotating presidency for May is a significant honor for China. He acknowledged the efforts made by Bahrain during its presidency last month. With the leadership now in China's hands, the country aims to maintain fairness and transparency in the council's operations, fulfilling its duties with a strong sense of responsibility and a constructive approach, committed to promoting unity and cooperation within the council to play a positive role in maintaining international peace and security.

UNIFIL was established to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli troops following the 1978 invasion, and its mandate was expanded after the 2006 conflict between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, making it responsible for overseeing a demilitarized buffer zone between the opposing sides.