Ukraine and the United Nations vote
- Despite their yes votes, most countries will not join the Western alliance’s financial warfare or do anything else against Russia to roll back the invasion. China’s position – peace through negotiations – is still reasonable
So much controversy, so little time. My column this week on China’s Ukraine stance has provoked a fair number of people. The headline is mostly to blame. However, in the face of such overwhelming suffering and tragedy in Ukraine, what I get wrong or right hardly matters. Many readers, though, have responded, both positively and negatively; some have demanded an explanation. So here we go.
I do have a good excuse. The piece was first published online almost a day before the United Nations’ General Assembly (UNGA) vote on the Russian invasion. If I had waited for the vote, as I should have, I would have rephrased a few sentences in the piece, “Most countries follow China’s Ukraine stance”, including the title.
However, I stand by my substantial thesis, despite the UN vote: the vast majority of countries around the world will do nothing.
They will not join the Western alliance’s financial warfare or any campaign against Russia to roll back the invasion. Most countries prefer the crisis to blow over so they can resume normal trade with Russia for energy, commodities and weapons. This may be considered cynical or practical, but is the best most of them can and will do.
The UNGA vote – 141 in favour, five opposed and 35 abstentions – against Russia, while impressive, is hardly unprecedented and nowhere near unanimous.
Now approaching its 30th year, the UNGA has voted annually – and overwhelmingly – against the United States’ long-standing embargo against Cuba. Last year, the 29th time, saw 184 in favour of ending it, three abstentions and two no votes, from the US and Israel.
Over the decades, there have been so many near-unanimous votes against Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, especially its military operations in the Occupied Territories, that only experts can keep count. In December, the UNGA formally ratified six resolutions against Israel. Many Israelis consider the UN body anti-Semitic.
My statement about the 10-nation Asean bloc stands, despite their latest UN votes – eight members voted yes while Vietnam and Laos abstained. Their previous joint statement, which did not criticise Moscow but called for “maximum restraint” on all sides, remains a true reflection of their intentions moving forward.
As a commentator says about the arming of Ukraine by the Western allies, “conflict without diplomacy is gasoline exposed to ignition”. China’s position – peace through negotiations – is still reasonable.