China voiced opposition Thursday to forced voting on any resolution about the expansion of the UN Security Council (UNSC) that might undermine the unity of UN member countries or the process of UN reform.

"The Security Council reform is an issue of major importance that concerns the immediate interests of every country. It needs extensive, transparent discussions and unanimous agreements so as to find a converging point and compromised plan," China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said at a regular press conference.

"That is the only way that can be truly conducive to the UN reform, to helping the UN play effective and authoritative role in world affairs and maintaining unity among the UN member countries," he said.

Germany, Japan, Brazil and India, known as the Group of Four or G-4, circulated a draft resolution on May 16 proposing giving the four countries permanent seats in the Security Council along with two African countries. They have indicated they will put it to a vote by the General Assembly in June.

China's UN Ambassador, Wang Guangya, said in New York Wednesday that China will use its veto power if the G-4 put the resolution to a vote next week because the UN member states are divided into two opposite groups by the resolution.

Kong reiterated China's stance on the UN Security Council reform, saying that China supports the reform of the Security Council.

He said the reform should help enhance the authority and efficiency of the Security Council. He said its biggest priority should be increasing the representation of developing countries.

Kong said the reform should give more opportunities to middle and small-sized countries to participate in the decision-making of the UN Security Council and should adhere to the principle of keeping balance among regions and take into account the representation of different cultures and civilizations.

He also pointed out that the Security Council reform is only one part of the UN reform.

"We feel worried about the present situation in which the reform of the Security Council has been over-emphasized by some relevant parties while other UN reforms have been overlooked," he added.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in the UN reform report submitted to the General Assembly in March, proposed to make a decision on council expansion before September.

While addressing the 59th session of the General Assembly, Wang Guangya said that China supports reforms of the Security Council, but objects to setting a timetable for the process or forcing a vote on reform plan lacking consensus.

Germany, Japan, India and Brazil announced an alliance in September last year to support each other for their inclusion in the UN Security Council as permanent members.

The G-4 resolution needs to be approved by at least two-thirds of the 191 UN member states to be adopted.

Source: Xinhua