China outlines Security Council agenda for May, schedules May 26 high‑level debate on the UN Charter

Ambassador Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, opened his country’s month as Security Council president by laying out a program of work that centers on revitalizing the authority of the UN Charter and strengthening an "UN‑centered international system." He announced a high‑level open debate for May 26 that China will preside over and said the event aims to "reaffirm [member states'] commitment to the Charter's purposes and principles" and to "revitalize the central role of the UN in the international system."

Fu said the Council will hold regular briefings in May on the Middle East — including on Syria and Lebanon — and on African issues, listing United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) work, the Libya file and monitoring an arms embargo at sea off Libya as specific items to receive attention. He said the Security Council will also hold its annual open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and a meeting on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On process, Fu told reporters China will seek to conduct the presidency with "fairness and transparency," pursue broad engagement and "strive for the broadest possible consensus," and, where appropriate, invite civil society representatives to bring perspectives to Council work. He said the rotating president has a special role in enabling that coordination and pledged close communication with the media to ensure transparency.

Fu framed these priorities as a response to what he described as a deteriorating international environment: "Conflicts are increasing, divisions are widening, and the multilateral system, along with international law, is under considerable strain," he said, adding that the Council must act to prevent a regression "into the law of the jungle."

The briefing did not include formal Council decisions or votes; Fu said the presidency will consult Council members on agenda items and stand ready to act as necessary. He also flagged consultations on the 1718 Committee and said the Secretariat will present options related to UNIFIL implementation under Resolution 2790 for Council consideration.