China reiterated on Tuesday that it would vote against any highly contentious Security Council expansion formula that could split the UN membership, if such proposal was put to a vote in the UN General Assembly.  

"China is opposed to artificially setting a time limit for the reform of the Security Council," Chinese Ambassador to the UN Wang Guangya told a closed-door General Assembly debate. "If a formula on which there exist major differences is forcibly put to a vote, China will resolutely vote against it."

The 191-nation assembly on Tuesday started a two-day closed-door debate on the UN reforms. Adoption of a resolution in the assembly requires two-thirds of majority. 

Wang said that the enlargement of the Security Council is only one part of the UN reforms as a whole and recent debates surrounding the council's enlargement have already affected and impaired discussions on other major items.

"The preparation for the September (UN) Summit, especially the discussion on how to concentrate efforts to address the question of development, has been greatly hijacked," he pointed out.

"Forcible voting on an immature formula is bound to lead to divisions among member states and weaken the authority and role of the UN. To the absolute majority of member states, it will be a huge loss of irremediable nature," he warned.

Germany, Japan, Brazil and India, known as the Group of Four, circulated a draft resolution calling for an increase of 10 seats on the Security Council, six new permanent seats and four non-permanent ones. The proposal has been strongly objected by Italy, Pakistan, South Korea and many other nations. The G-4 has not yet presented the draft to the assembly.

Wang said China supports the council reform and the reform should include both the increase of membership and the improvement of working methods so as to enhance the authority and efficiency of the council.

"The enlargement of the Security Council must give priority to increasing the representation and participation of the developing countries, especially African countries," he noted.

"Any expansion formula must make sure that small and medium countries have more opportunities to take turns to participate in the work of the Security Council, uphold the principle of geographical balance and ensure the representation of different cultures and civilizations."

The council reform should follow the gradual process of democratic discussion with a view to reaching consensus and it shouldn't only take care of the concern of a few or some states, he continued.

"Only a decision arrived at through consensus can obtain the widest trust and support and really enhance the representation and authority of the Security Council," Wang stressed.

(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2005)