China at UNSC: High Representative’s powers should not be prolonged or made permanent

“Both the High Representative system and the Bonn Powers were special arrangements made for a special period. They should not be prolonged, much less made permanent,” the Chinese representative said.

Beijing urged the international community to respect Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, listen to the concerns of its three constituent peoples and help create conditions for resolving differences without interfering in internal affairs or taking sides.

“The destiny of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be in the hands of its own people, and its state affairs should be determined independently by its people,” the representative said.

China welcomed the peaceful conduct of the general elections and the stable post-election situation, praising the restraint and inclusiveness demonstrated across ethnic groups.

It urged the two entities, three constituent peoples and all political parties to use the new political landscape to strengthen mutual trust, pursue constructive dialogue, avoid confrontational rhetoric and facilitate the formation of a new government.

Turning to the economy, China described Bosnia and Herzegovina as facing multiple pressures, including sluggish growth, high inflation and an outflow of workers.

The representative called on political actors to prioritise the interests of the entire population, improve the business environment and expand international cooperation, making use of the country’s geographical position and energy resources.

Beijing also urged greater international support for infrastructure development, industrial upgrading, trade and investment, arguing that sustainable development could help secure lasting peace.

China welcomed the Council’s unanimous extension of EUFOR Althea’s mandate and expressed condolences over the Italian casualties in the mission’s helicopter crash, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

It also praised what it described as the constructive role of Serbia, Croatia and other regional countries in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s security and stability.

Inclusive reconciliation, the representative concluded, would support lasting peace and development in Bosnia and Herzegovina while contributing to stability and shared prosperity across the Balkans.