Which of the following countries is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with veto power?

Introduction / Context:
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the most powerful organs of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has five permanent members and ten non permanent members. The permanent members have special status, including veto power. This question checks your knowledge of which country among the options is one of these permanent members.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on permanent, not rotating, membership of the UNSC.
• Only five countries in the world hold permanent seats with veto power.
• The options given are Switzerland, People's Republic of China, Japan, and Ukraine.
• We assume familiarity with the composition of the UN Security Council.

Concept / Approach:
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council are: the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, and France. These are often abbreviated as the P5. Switzerland is a neutral country and a member of the UN but does not hold a permanent UNSC seat. Japan is an important UN member and has served multiple times as a non permanent member but is not permanent. Ukraine has also served as a non permanent member but does not have a permanent seat. The only country in the options that belongs to the P5 group is the People's Republic of China.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the full list of permanent members of the UN Security Council: USA, UK, Russia, China, and France. Step 2: Compare these names with the countries listed in the options. Step 3: Notice that the People's Republic of China appears directly in the options and is a recognised permanent member. Step 4: Identify that Switzerland, Japan, and Ukraine are not on the list of permanent members, even though they may have served as non permanent members at various times. Step 5: Conclude that People's Republic of China is the only option that correctly answers the question.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you remember the acronym P5 or see a diagram of the UN Security Council permanent members, you will always find China included, often labelled specifically as the People's Republic of China. Official UN documents and many exam preparation books repeat this list, confirming this fact. None of the other options are ever listed as permanent members, which further validates the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Switzerland joined the UN relatively late and is known for its neutrality; it is not a permanent Security Council member. Japan is a major economic power and has often sought a permanent seat but remains a non permanent member elected for fixed terms. Ukraine has served on the Security Council in non permanent terms, but it is not part of the P5 group. Therefore, they do not fit the description of permanent membership with veto power.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse influential or wealthy countries with permanent UNSC membership, assuming that economic power automatically grants a permanent seat. Another pitfall is to forget that only five countries have this status and to overestimate the number of permanent members. Memorising the fixed list of five and remembering that many other nations are only non permanent members will help you avoid these mistakes.

Final Answer:
Among the options, the permanent member of the UN Security Council is the People's Republic of China.