China Says UN Command on Korean Peninsula Outdated

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning at a press conference in Beijing, China on Tuesday (14/11/2023). (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

JAKARTA - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that the United Nations Command (UNC) on the Korean Peninsula is outdated and has actually fueled tensions in the region.

"As is widely known, the so-called UNC or 'UN Command' is a product of the Cold War, has no legal basis and has long been out of date," said Mao Ning during a routine statement reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, November 14.

Mao Ning conveyed this in response to a meeting in Seoul on Monday (13/11) which was attended by defense ministers and representatives from 17 countries in the UNC, a body formed in 1950 to oversee the ceasefire between South Korea and North Korea.

"Countries holding meetings in the name of the UNC are actually triggering confrontation and causing tension. This action only worsens the situation on the Korean Peninsula," added Mao Ning.

Mao Ning said that China urges relevant countries to stop seeking selfish benefits by using the UN's name falsely.

"It is better to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through concrete actions," said Mao Ning.

The UNC was founded on July 14, 1950 and became the first collective security effort under the UN system.

UN Security Council Resolutions Number 83 and 84 provide international legal authority for member states to restore peace on the Korean Peninsula. The resolution also designates the United States as the leader of the unified command or UNC.

In 1950-1953, 22 countries including the United States, England, Australia and Turkey contributed combat troops and medical aid to support South Korea under the UN flag.

Today, UNC continues its commitment to the Korean Peninsula by upholding ceasefire agreements, facilitating diplomacy with North Korea and acting as a unifier for multinational powers during crises or conflicts.

During the meeting it was agreed to increase joint exercises and cooperate with Japan to prevent and better prepare for a North Korean attack.