Mr. President,

The recent escalation of conflict in relevant regions of Syria has drawn wide attention from the international community. We feel for the people who are suffering in Syria. China condemns all acts of violence that target civilians and civilian facilities and hurt innocent lives.

China welcomes the unanimous adoption of Security Council resolution 2401. This resolution is an outcome of the Council members' patient consultation and hard work to seek consensus. The resolution includes positive elements such as respecting the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, demanding a cessation of hostilities by all parties, easing the humanitarian situation in Syria, supporting mine action throughout Syria, and continuing to combat terrorism. As an active participant in the consultation, China has made unremitting efforts and played a constructive role in facilitating consensus-building in the Security Council. Thanks to concerted efforts of all relevant parties, the Security Council has now reached a solution that reflects the widest possible consensus among its members. China appreciates that. I would like in particular to thank Kuwait and Sweden, as co-penholders of the resolution, for their tireless efforts. The Security Council speaking in one voice on Syria's humanitarian issue will not only help ease the overall humanitarian situation in Syria, but also help consolidate the momentum for ceasefire and counter-terrorism efforts in Syria, and be conducive to the bigger picture of political settlement of the Syrian issue. Going forward, the international community should work together to ensure the full implementation of resolution 2401, so that it can play a positive role in easing the humanitarian situation in Syria.

Mr. President,

Political settlement is the only way to fundamentally ease the humanitarian situation in Syria and rid the Syrian people of their sufferings. The international community should support the Syrian parties in seeking a solution accepted by all as soon as possible under the UN mediation and through the Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process, so as put an end to the sufferings endured by the Syrian people at an early date. China hopes the Security Council will remain united and build consensus on the Syrian issue, push the Syrian parties to consolidate the momentum for ceasefire, strengthen cooperation on combating terrorist organizations, advance the political settlement process, and play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability of Syria and the whole region.

Thank you, Mr. President.