At the United Nations Security Council on Friday, Geng Shuang, the deputy permanent representative of China, called on all parties to exercise calm and restraint after Poland's military shot down drones that violated its airspace. Speaking amid heightened tensions tied to the Ukraine crisis, Geng warned that misjudgment and confrontational rhetoric could trigger broader instability across the region.
The incident began overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, when Poland's air defenses intercepted unmanned aerial vehicles entering its territory. While Poland, the EU and NATO have pointed fingers at Russia, the latter has flatly rejected any involvement. Geng Shuang characterized the episode as a spillover from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, urging stakeholders to avoid misunderstanding and escalation.
Why It Matters
- Trust under pressure: Misreading intentions risks deepening a trust deficit at a critical moment.
- Dialogue over discord: Geng emphasized resolving disputes through consultation rather than military action.
- UN Charter at heart: All nations should align with the UN's founding principles to maintain peace.
Highlighting the importance of international law, Geng Shuang reminded delegates that the UN Charter provides the framework for managing conflicts and preserving stability. He said the world needs goodwill and de-escalation—"mutual accommodation rather than military confrontation"—to prevent further fallout from the Ukraine conflict.
Looking ahead, the international community will watch whether Poland, Russia and Belarus can engage in direct dialogue to clarify the situation and forestall possible escalation. As Geng noted, constructive engagement and political solutions remain the best path to defuse tensions and promote lasting peace.
Reference(s):
Chinese envoy calls for restraint following Poland drone incident
cgtn.com
