The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has censured the Pulwama suicide bombing in Jammu & Kashmir. More than 40 Indian paramilitary force personnel lost their lives in this incident. The UNSC has rallied all Nations to work closely with the Indian Government and other relevant bodies to address this issue. This horrific episode was orchestrated by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), a terrorist organization based in Pakistan. Global disdain for the attack further stigmatized the act, especially from countries such as the United States, Russia, and France. The New Zealand parliament proclaimed a resolution against the attack.
Significance of the Condemnation
The censure by the UNSC hands India a diplomatic victory and is seen as part of India’s bid to isolate Pakistan internationally. Interestingly, there appears to be a change in China’s stance against JeM Chief Masood Azhar. Despite JeM having been under UNSC sanctions since 2010, China has consistently blocked resolutions proclaiming JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar as a “global terrorist” at the UN Security Council Resolution 1267 sanctions committee over the last 10 years.
The UNSC Resolution 1267 Sanctions Committee
The committee is responsible for overseeing the execution of sanctions according to UNSC resolutions 1267, 1989, and 2253. It is a crucial and active subsidiary body of the UN working towards countering terrorism, particularly pertaining to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group. This committee deliberates on the restrictions placed on the movement of terrorists, primarily concerning travel bans, freezing of assets, and arms embargoes.
China’s Position on the UNSC Resolution 1267
Officially, China strives to safeguard the “authority and validity” of the Resolution 1267 committee, arguing that there isn’t sufficient proof to label Azhar as a “global terrorist”. However, the unofficial reasons are significantly more strategic and pragmatic. Maintaining robust ties with Pakistan and providing international protection to terrorist allies like JeM gives China a buffer against terrorist attacks on their infrastructure.
Chinese Business Interests in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Chinese commerce has invested nearly $40 billion across about 45 CPEC projects. China is resolute about preserving this substantial investment of resources and time.
| Investment by Chinese firms | No. of CPEC projects |
|---|---|
| $40 billion | Approximately 45 |
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
The United Nations Charter enshrines the Security Council as one of the six chief organs of the United Nations. The Security Council holds the primary obligation to uphold international peace and security. It can convene whenever peace is under threat. All members of the United Nations agree to accept and execute the decisions of the Security Council. Even though other organs of the United Nations can recommend actions to member nations, only the Security Council carries the power to make decisions that member nations must then enforce under the Charter. Among the 15 members of the UNSC, 5 are permanent and 10 are non-permanent members who are elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. The five permanent members are US, UK, France, Russia, and China. India has served in the UNSC as a non-permanent member for seven terms (a total of 14 years), with the most recent term being from 2011–2012.