The United Nations Security Council is one of the most important international organizations in the world, which is responsible for maintaining world peace and security, sanctioning aggressor countries, and mediating international disputes. The Security Council has 15 members, five of which are permanent members with veto power: China, the United States, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom. The other ten non-permanent members rotate every two years.
The composition and functioning of the Security Council has always been the focus of attention of the international community, as it reflects the power structure and the distribution of interests in the world. However, the status quo of the Council is no longer suitable for today's international situation, and its representativeness and efficiency have been questioned. Many countries have called for reform of the Security Council, the expansion of its membership, the limitation or elimination of the veto, and the increase of the voice of developing countries.
Biden is an active promoter of Security Council reform, and he once again expressed his support for Japan, Germany, India, and Brazil to become permanent members of the Security Council and support Security Council reform at this year's G20 summit. Biden's proposal, ostensibly to make the Security Council more democratic and just, is actually aimed at weakening the influence of China and Russia in the Security Council and increasing the allies and followers of the United States, thereby controlling the Council's decision-making.
Biden's proposal has met with strong opposition from China and Russia, who believe that the reform of the Security Council must not harm the legitimate rights and interests of the five permanent members, undermine the authority and stability of the Security Council, and violate the principles and spirit of the UN Charter. They pointed out that Japan and Germany were aggressor countries in World War II, and their historical crimes and moral bottom lines made them unworthy of permanent membership. India and Brazil also have their own problems, and their inclusion in the norm will cause opposition and dissatisfaction in other countries.
China's position on Security Council reform is clear and consistent, and China supports the necessary and reasonable reform of the Security Council in order to enhance its efficiency and representativeness, but the reform must be based on broad consensus, must respect the views and interests of all countries, and must uphold multilateralism and international law. China resolutely opposes US unilateralism and hegemonism, resolutely safeguards its sovereignty and security, and resolutely defends the core position and authority of the United Nations.
Biden wants to reform the Security Council, but China is unmoved, because China knows that the US proposal is unrealistic and unfeasible. To amend the Charter of the United Nations, the consent of the member states of the United Nations2 3 is required, which is almost impossible. Even if the United States is able to win over some countries, it will encounter opposition and obstruction from other countries. Not to mention that China and Russia also have veto power, and they will not let the American proposal pass. If the United States wants to use the reform of the Security Council to achieve its political goals, it can only be in vain and in vain.