New York (United Nations), November 11, 2026 (SPS) – China has stressed that a settlement of the Western Sahara conflict must place the fundamental interests of the Sahrawi people at its centre and fully respect the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, including their right to self-determination.
Addressing the UN General Assembly on Tuesday during the debate under the “veto initiative” (Resolution 76/262), China’s representative explained that his country had abstained from voting on the US-sponsored draft resolution at the Security Council on October 30 and voted in favour of the Russian draft, reaffirming Beijing’s position of objectivity and neutrality on the issue.
China highlighted the important role played by the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) over more than three decades in maintaining stability on the ground, preventing further deterioration of the security situation and protecting civilians, thereby creating favourable conditions for advancing the political process.
It stressed that a final settlement must be people-centred and take into account the historical context, current realities and legitimate aspirations of the Sahrawi people, while effectively safeguarding their fundamental rights and development interests.
China called on all parties to exercise restraint, cease hostilities and avoid the use of force, warning against further deterioration of the situation. It also underlined the importance of continued international humanitarian assistance to Sahrawi refugees.
The Chinese representative reaffirmed support for the United Nations' leading role in facilitating a political solution, emphasizing that negotiations should be conducted on an equal footing and in accordance with UN resolutions and international law, with the aim of achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable settlement that guarantees the right to self-determination.
He further called for dialogue and equal negotiations rather than imposed solutions or rushed outcomes, urging the parties to demonstrate strategic patience and engage in good faith to resolve differences and build consensus. He also underscored the role of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and other mediators in creating favourable conditions for progress.
Concluding its statement, China reaffirmed its commitment to the four principles advanced by President Xi Jinping for resolving conflicts in Africa: an African-led approach, upholding justice, promoting ceasefires, and addressing both the symptoms and root causes of conflicts. It pledged to continue contributing to an early and appropriate settlement of the dispute and to the preservation of peace and regional stability.
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