Sovereignty weighs in using resources

UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese diplomat on Wednesday said that all countries have indisputable sovereignty over the resources within their territory, stressing the importance of the relationship between natural resources and prevention of conflicts.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at a Security Council meeting on conflict prevention and natural resources.

"Natural resources constitute the material foundation for human survival and development, and have played an important role in promoting the economic growth and development of countries," Wang said.

"The exploration and use of natural resources should be determined by the people of those countries," the Chinese diplomat said. "International community should respect these principles and conduct resource-related cooperation."

Wang pointed out that in some conflicting areas, illegal exploitation and smuggling, as well as irrational use and distribution of natural resources, are likely to become an important factor of inducing conflict.

In addition, the ambassador called on the UN agencies to integrate efforts in support of the conflict-affected countries in strengthening capacity building of rationally developing and using their natural resources.