At a recent United Nations meeting, China and 27 other countries, including Russia, Egypt, and Iran, have urged an end to unilateral coercive measures, which they argue disrupt international relations and undermine multilateral cooperation. The appeal was made at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, where China’s permanent representative to the UN, Fu Cong, emphasized that such measures contribute to global instability and impose significant economic and humanitarian burdens on developing nations.
The joint statement from these countries highlighted that sanctions, secondary restrictions, and associated compliance measures exacerbate economic and humanitarian challenges, posing threats to food, energy, and financial security. Fu Cong argued that these measures not only hinder international stability but also impede the affected countries’ efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
The coalition of countries expressed specific concerns about the rising use of tariffs as a form of economic pressure, noting that such actions can disrupt global trade and supply chains. They warned that these measures could negatively impact fundamental rights, including access to health, education, and other basic needs.
In their statement, the 28 countries called on those imposing such unilateral measures to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law, urging them to lift these restrictive measures. They also encouraged UN member states and international organizations to support countries impacted by these restrictions, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and respect for sovereignty.