Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN Ambassador Sun Lei at the Arria-formula Meeting on Upholding International Law in Situations of Armed[...]

Chair,

I thank Pakistan for taking the initiative to convene this Arria-formula meeting. I have also listened carefully to the briefings by all the briefers.

International law is an important institutional foundation for building a just and equitable international order and plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining international peace and security. At a time when transformation and turbulence are intertwined in the international landscape and regional conflicts keep flaring up, the international community, more than ever, needs to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, uphold international rule of law, and safeguard the shared vision of peace and prosperity. I would like to make three points.

First, we must ensure the fair and consistent application of international law. Without rules, no order can be established. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter constitute the foundation of international law and are the fundamental rules for practicing international rule of law. They should be universally observed. All countries, regardless of size or strength, should, without exception, fulfill their obligations under international law in good faith. Selective application of international law and double standards must be avoided, and ensure that the same yardstick is applied in judging right and wrong.

Second, we must uphold the peaceful settlement of disputes within the framework of international law. The peaceful settlement of disputes is a fundamental principle established by the UN Charter and a fundamental pathway to lasting peace. All countries should uphold the spirit of international law, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and seek solutions within the framework of the UN Charter and international law that accommodate the legitimate concerns of all parties. Members of the Security Council should take the lead in upholding the authority of international law, adopt objective and impartial positions on hotspot issues, promote the genuine implementation of Security Council resolutions, make full use of such tools as good offices and mediation and conflict prevention, and work toward the goal of political settlement.

Third, we must place the protection of civilians in a more prominent position. Civilians are often the greatest victims of conflict. International humanitarian law sets the basic bottom line for the protection of civilians in conflict. Parties to conflict should strictly abide by international humanitarian law, effectively protect civilians and civilian facilities such as hospitals and schools, and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian supplies. In 2024, China, together with relevant countries and the International Committee of the Red Cross, launched the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law. We look forward to more countries actively joining the initiative and working together to reinvigorate the international community's firm commitment to international humanitarian law.

Chair,

China is a staunch defender, builder, and practitioner of international law. China has always fulfilled its treaty obligations in good faith and earnestly honored its international commitments. Guided by the Global Governance Initiative, China stands ready to work with all parties to earnestly uphold the international order based on international law, safeguard the authority and credibility of international law, and make greater contributions to maintaining international peace and security.

Thank you, Chair.