China and Brazil back UN amid Trump's peace council launch
President Donald Trump unveiled his Peace Council at a signing ceremony during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, drawing swift backlash from major powers wary that the move could undermine or sideline the United Nations. Nineteen nations inked the founding charter, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Pakistan, Hungary, and Indonesia. Key US allies like Britain, France, Norway, and Sweden stayed away. China and Brazil responded Friday by doubling down on their commitment to a UN-centered global order.
Originally framed to oversee Gaza's reconstruction under UN Security Council Resolution 2803, the final charter omits any reference to the Palestinian territory. It positions the body as an international organization empowered to ensure lasting peace in conflict zones or threatened areas worldwide. Trump told assembled leaders, "Once this council is fully formed, we can essentially do whatever we want." The charter grants him sweeping powers as founding president a role he can hold for life including sole authority to invite or expel members, veto decisions, set agendas, dissolve subsidiaries, and name a successor. Permanent seats require a one billion dollar cash contribution.
Trump acknowledged the possibility of the council replacing the UN, noting the world body "has never lived up to its potential." The European Union voiced serious doubts over the proposal's scope, governance, and alignment with the UN Charter, European Council President Antonio Costa said after an emergency summit ended Friday morning. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed Britain would not sign, citing concerns over potential involvement by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump retaliated against France's refusal by threatening 200 percent tariffs on French wines and champagnes.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a Friday call to stand on the right side of history and jointly defend the UN's central role. Brazilian special advisor Celso Amorim told local media, "We cannot envision a UN reform led by a single country." UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stressed that the organization remains the sole universal international body, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pressing ahead on international law. Security expert Stefan Wolff of the University of Birmingham called it an "entrepreneurial version of the UN, controlled and directed by" Trump, surprised that other leaders might back it. Trump pushed back, insisting from Air Force One that working with the Peace Council would benefit the UN.
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