China welcomes the initiative taken by Russia to convene today’s briefing. We thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for his briefing and commend the United Nations on its efforts to ease the humanitarian situation in Syria.

The Syrian conflict has lasted more than seven years, inflicting endless suffering on the Syrian people. It is our strong hope that all parties in Syria can resolve their issues through dialogue and consultations. It is imperative that the international community play a constructive role to immediately ease the humanitarian crisis in Syria. As always, China will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Syria.

More than a month ago, through the concerted efforts of all parties concerned, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2401 (2018), reflecting its solidarity and consensus on the humanitarian situation in Syria. China calls on all parties in Syria to comply with the resolution in order to achieve an immediate cessation of hostilities, provide humanitarian assistance and actively coordinate with United Nations humanitarian assistance efforts. The United Nations and the international community must implement resolution 2401 (2018), pay equal attention to the humanitarian situation in all regions in Syria, provide assistance to all areas in need of humanitarian assistance, and help displaced persons return home as soon as possible.

I reiterate that China has always promoted the peaceful settlement of disputes and objects to the use of force in international relations. We uphold the principle to respect the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of all countries. Any action taken by the parties concerned must be in line with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. All action must be taken within the framework of international law. Any unilateral military action that circumvents the Council contravenes the purposes and principles of the Charter and violates the basic norms of international law and international relations, and will compound efforts to settle the crisis in Syria. China urges the parties concerned to refrain from any act that could lead to an escalation of the situation, return to the norms of international law and resolve issues through dialogue and consultation.

A political settlement is the only way to resolve the situation in Syria. China is committed to working with the international community to facilitate peace talks, encourage the cessation of hostilities, violence and counter-terrorism, and advance the process for a political settlement, including through the Intra-Syrian talks. Given the current situation, it is imperative for the international community to enhance cooperation and support the United Nations as the main channel of mediation to restore peace, stability and calm in Syria and the Middle East as soon as possible.