China abstains from UN council Syria vote
PHOTO: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley. Haley is current president of the Security Council during the month of April. The presidency rotates.
By TATIANA PROPHET
Breaking news: China abstained from voting to condemn a chemical weapons attack in Syria in a United Nations Security Council vote Wednesday.
A majority of the United Nations' 15-member Security Council voted to condemn the reported chemical attack, but Russia's veto as a permanent council member nullifies the vote, FOX News' Shephard Smith reported.
Two countries voted no, Russia and Bolivia, while China, also a permanent member, abstained along with Kazakhstan and Ethiopia, according to a security council press release. China's abstention could be viewed as a win for the United States.
The vote came earlier than expected on Wednesday. A "no" vote by any permanent member of the security council means the resolution does not pass. Russia has vetoed eight resolutions on Syria.
President Trump tweeted at about 8 am EDT this morning: "Had a very good call with the President of China concerning the menace of North Korea."
It's likely he also discussed other topics with President Xi.
At a joint press conference Wednesday afternoon with the secretary general of the NATO alliance, Trump answered a question on China from McClatchy newspapers, by remarking on China's UN vote.
"I think it's wonderful that they abstained, and as you know, very few people expected that. So we're honored by the vote, that's the vote that should have taken place."
