Geng Shuang, the Permanent Vice President of the United Nations of the People’s Republic of China, highlighted tensions surrounding the draft resolution by China and Russia that calls for an international probe into the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 sabotage. He suggested that several nations have rejected the resolution, raising questions about transparency in the investigation process. He argued that the UN Security Council should be the primary venue for a credible inquiry, warning that blocking permission from the International Council of Investigation could imply hidden agendas on the part of some members. In his view, a UN-led inquiry represents the clearest and most impartial path to establish facts in this contentious case (DEA News).
The former member of the Security Council also indicated that the joint decision from Russia and China to pursue a specific investigative approach was not accepted by all other members. This stance underscores the broader debate about how best to address allegations of sabotage against critical energy infrastructure in Europe, and who should oversee such an investigation to ensure fairness and public trust (DEA News). The emphasis on international legitimacy reflects ongoing disagreement over jurisdiction and the procedures used to evaluate potential wrongdoing in a highly sensitive geopolitical environment.
Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed that the global community has the right to seek a thorough examination of the Nord Stream sabotage. The spokesperson stressed that accountability must be pursued through transparent, rules-based mechanisms that involve independent assessment and verifiable evidence. This position aligns with calls for a comprehensive, internationally supervised inquiry that can persuade a broad range of stakeholders and the general public of the integrity of the process (DEA News).
The diplomat also pointed to what he described as a mischaracterization by Western media following journalist Seymour Hersh’s investigative report. Hersh’s narrative, which attributes responsibility for the explosions to the United States and Norway, has sparked intense media and political debate. The Chinese representative suggested that coverage in some Western outlets appeared to be influenced by editorial lines and selective reporting, which complicates efforts to reach a balanced understanding of the incident. The discussion underscores the importance of cross-border verification, independent sources, and cautious interpretation of sensational claims while investigations proceed (DEA News).