Ma Zhaoxu (C), Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations and President of the Security Council of November, briefs journalists on the council's work of this month at the UN headquarters in New York, Nov. 1, 2018. The Security Council will focus its work on debates about multilateralism and peacekeeping in Africa in November, when China holds the rotating council presidency, said the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations on Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council will focus its work on debates about multilateralism and peacekeeping in Africa in November, when China holds the rotating council presidency, said the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations on Thursday.
"We are facing severe challenges in the international security situation. At the same time, international rules and multilateral mechanisms are being undermined," said Ma Zhaoxu, the ambassador.
The Security Council, which has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, must play a leading role in strengthening multilateralism and collective security mechanisms, he told reporters.
"In light of the new problems and new challenges we are facing, we believe it's important that UN member states jointly uphold the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. We need to find ways and means to strengthen multilateralism and the role of the United Nations to consolidate collective security mechanisms and increase cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations," Ma said.
Multilateralism was a hot topic at the General Debate of the UN General Assembly in September. More than 100 countries have voiced their support for multilateralism, he noted.
The Security Council open debate will provide an opportunity for continued discussion on the issue, he said.
On peacekeeping in Africa, the Chinese ambassador expressed the hope that an open debate on Nov. 20 would help set the stage and create a sound atmosphere for further discussion of the issue.
"We hope this will lead to more attention and input from the international community to strengthen capacity building of the African Union and African countries in safeguarding peace and security in Africa," he said.
Among the top troop-contributing countries, more than half are African ones. The five biggest UN peacekeeping operations are in Africa, he noted.
