New York, United States - November 18, 2024 Any action taken by the United Nations Security Council must genuinely respect Sudan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong said on Monday. On the day, the United Nations Security Council failed to pass a resolution aimed at enhancing protection for Sudanese civilians and achieving a ceasefire, as Russia exercised its veto power. The draft, co-sponsored by the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone, received 14 votes in favor, but was blocked by Russia's veto. China voted in favor of the resolution to support efforts to protect Sudanese civilians and achieve a ceasefire to de-escalate the tensions. Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since mid-April 2023. The deadly conflict has resulted in over 24,850 deaths and the displacement of more than 14 million people, according to estimates by international organizations Following the vote, the Chinese envoy expressed deep concern over the ongoing Sudanese conflict, which has now lasted more than 19 months, resulting in escalating civilian casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Fu also noted that the constructive proposals put forward by some members of the Security Council during consultations were not fully incorporated, nor were the legitimate concerns of relevant parties adequately addressed. He expressed China's regret over the Security Council's inability to deliver a unified stance on Sudan. The Chinese envoy urged all parties in the Sudan conflict to prioritize the well-being of the nation and its citizens by halting hostilities and adhering to commitments outlined in the Jeddah Declaration, which includes providing protection for civilians. He further called for enhanced coordination between the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Sudan and the regional organizations such as the African Union to advance mediation efforts. "It is essential to emphasize that any action taken by the Security Council must genuinely respect Sudan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Decisions must involve full consultation with the Sudanese government and relevant parties. Imposing external solutions will only complicate the situation, hindering ceasefire efforts and the goal of civilian protection," Fu said. Shotlist: UN Headquarters, New York City - Nov 18, 2024: 1. UN Security Council meeting in progress; 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to United Nations (partially overlaid with shot 3): "It is essential to emphasize that any action taken by the Security Council must genuinely respect Sudan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Decisions must involve full consultation with the Sudanese government and relevant parties. Imposing external solutions will only complicate the situation, hindering ceasefire efforts and the goal of civilian protection."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 3. Voting in progress; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] FILE: Khartoum, Sudan - July 5, 2023 4. Various of dense smoke rising from conflict zone; FILE: Sudan - Date Unknown 5. Various of houses; smoke billowing; FILE: Sudan - Date Unknown 6. Collapsed buildings; FILE: Metropolitan Area of Khartoum, Sudan - 2023 7. Burnt car, rubble; FILE: Greater Capital Area, Sudan - 2023 8. Various of charred vehicles. [Restriction - For news purpose only/No archive/Not for other production use, No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya TV/Middle East Broadcasting Center]