Chinese Ambassador Geng Shuang at the UN Security Council on Monday expressed regret over the failed vote to adopt a draft resolution by Russia that proposed an independent investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline incident.

(File photo: Xinhua)

“This vicious act of sabotage affects the security of not only Europe, but also global cross-country infrastructure,” said Geng. “It bears on the interests and concerns of every country to conduct an objective, impartial, and professional investigation into the incident in order to make the investigation results public as soon as possible and hold the perpetrators accountable.”

Geng stressed that authorizing the UN to launch an international investigation is precisely the best way to respond to speculation and allegations. 

“If the countries concerned welcome with open arms the Security Council’s mandate for an international investigation into the North Stream explosion, they can at least have some semblance of a clear conscience,” he said.

“If however the countries concerned are hesitant to support the Council’s authorization of an international investigation, it only makes people think that there might be something hidden behind the scene,” Geng said.