CHINA BLOCKS US PROPOSAL IN THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, 2003-04-09 (photo)

Zhang Yishan, Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations from China, is given the thumbs-up as he enters the Security Council meeting at the United Nations in New York on April 9, 2003, to discuss North Korea. The United States had been pressing the council to issue a strong statement condemning Pyongyang for ending its compliance with international measures against the spread of nuclear weapons and urging it to again shoulder its responsibilities. In an earlier private meeting of the council's five major powers; Britain, France, China, the United States and Russia; China blocked the U.S. proposal. REUTERS/Chip East CME/HK