The 5 permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These members hold veto power, meaning they can block any resolution.
Understanding the UN Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the UN, charged with ensuring international peace and security. It has 15 members, consisting of:
- Five permanent members
- Ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.
Permanent Members
The five permanent members, also known as the P5, have held their seats since the UN's formation in 1945. According to the provided reference, these countries are:
| Permanent Member |
|---|
| China |
| France |
| Russian Federation |
| The United Kingdom |
| The United States |
These permanent members have significant power within the UN system due to their veto power. The veto power allows any of the P5 to prevent the adoption of any Security Council resolution, regardless of the level of support it has from other Council members. This unique privilege reflects the geopolitical landscape at the end of World War II and the role these nations played in establishing the UN.
