Signaling that it will no longer sit passively in the United Nations Security Council, China last week vetoed the Anglo-American resolution demanding an end to political repression in Myanmar. This is only the fourth time that China has used its veto since it came into the UNSC as a permanent member in the 1970s.

Over the last few decades China has kept a low profile at the UNSC. It avoided diplomatic initiative and abstained from voting when many difficult issues came up over the years. Beijing used its veto power sparingly, mostly on issues relating to its own territorial sovereignty, especially Taiwan.

International observers of China in recent years have been pointing to growing Chinese political activism in the UNSC and its new willingness to join international peacekeeping operations. Last year saw China play a key role in helping secure the South Korean candidate Ban Ki-Moon as UN Secretary General. Its latest veto, in favour of Myanmar, reflects the new determination in Beijing to act like a great power in the international arena.

While Myanmar expressed its gratitude to Beijing, China’s permanent representative to the UN, Wang Guangya, sought to downplay the vote by saying it was determined by differences with the western powers on the jurisdiction of the Security Council, rather than the substance of the resolution. Wang also urged Myanmar to move toward “inclusive democracy” and promote reform and dialogue at home. Myanmar believes there is a wink and a nod that goes with such Chinese statements.

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