I would like to begin by thanking Special Envoy De Mistura for his briefing. I am very glad to see him in New York. China commends and will continue to support Mr. De Mistura’s efforts to promote the political process in Syria.

Recently, positive momentum has emerged in the quest for a political solution to the Syrian issue. Major progress has been made at the Syrian National Dialogue Congress held in Sochi. The meeting has played a positive role in advancing the political process in Syria, and provided new impetus for the resumption of the talks in Geneva. China commends the Russian Federation and other countries for their efforts to hold that dialogue. We support the United Nations in its work as the main channel of mediation for a political solution to the Syrian issue.

A political settlement remains the only way forward on the Syrian issue. The international community should support the intra-Syrian talks in making substantive progress at an early date, as well as the Astana dialogue in steadily consolidating the momentum for a ceasefire in Syria, thereby pushing all parties in Syria back to the negotiating table through a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led approach to reach a solution that is acceptable to all parties — one that accommodates all concerns. During that process, the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria should be upheld and respected.

Fighting terrorism is a major aspect in finding a solution to the Syrian issue. The international community should step up counter-terrorism efforts in collaboration, uphold uniform standards and resolutely combat all terrorist organizations designated by the Security Council.

China has been striving to play a positive and constructive role in bolstering the quest for a political solution to this issue. Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on Syrian issue, Mr. Xie Xiaoyan, attended the most recent round of intra-Syrian talks as part of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi, holding extensive communication with all parties with a view to promoting reconciliation and facilitating dialogue.

Recently, there have been outbreaks of conflict in many parts of Syria, about which China is gravely concerned. China follows closely the humanitarian situation and the refugee issue in Syria. We are ready to continue providing assistance to the greatest extent possible. We stand ready to work with the international community in pushing for an early, comprehensive, just and appropriate solution to the Syrian issue.