Remarks on Ukraine by China's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Emergency Briefing

I thank Director Edem Wosornu, Special Representative Vanessa Frazier, and Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban for their briefings.

China has noted the reported drone attack on the school in Starobelsk and expresses deep concerns over the resulting casualties, particularly those among students. China condemns any attacks targeting innocent civilians. A protracted Ukraine crisis, the intensifying situation on the battlefield, and the immense suffering of the people are the things that no party, including China, wishes to see. Lately, the parties have launched frequent and large-scale drone and missile attacks, subjecting more and more residential areas, schools, and civilian infrastructure to attacks. It is a very worrisome situation. We call on the parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, strictly observe international humanitarian law, effectively protect the safety of civilians, cease attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, promptly deescalate the situation on the battlefield, and strive to bring hope for an early return to peace.

The Ukraine issue is at a critical stage of dialogue and negotiations. In this context, what we need is goodwill instead of hatred, deescalation instead of heightened tensions, and efforts towards the same goal instead of military confrontation. Although the momentum of negotiations has slowed down a little and major differences remain in the positions of the parties, if we can keep the talks going, we can see the dawn of peace. The relevant parties should redouble their efforts, demonstrate political will, show flexibility, take each other's legitimate security concerns seriously and address them properly, and aim to reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement at an early date.

China's position on the Ukraine issue is objective, impartial, and consistent, guided by the four shoulds put forward by President Xi Jinping. We have always stood on the side of peace, dialogue, and humanity. We firmly support ending the conflict and reaching a political solution, and have made extensive efforts to promote peace talks. Together with the international community, China stands ready to continue playing a constructive role for the political settlement of the crisis.

Thank you.