China and Russia blocked a UN Security Council resolution tabled by the US, which called for an end to political repression and human rights abuses in Myanmar, AP reported. Despite being in a 9-3 minority in Sunday's vote, Beijing and Moscow were able to exercise the power of veto granted to them as permanent members of the council. They argued that it was not appropriate for the Security Council to discuss Myanmar as the country, which is controlled by the military, poses no threat to international peace. Myanmar's UN ambassador thanked China and Russia, saying the resolution "would have created a dangerous precedent" if approved. The multiple veto — the first since 1989 — raises questions about how the Security Council will deal with issues such as conflict-ridden Sudan and the nuclear threats posed by North Korea and Iran in the year ahead.
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