Mr. President,

I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and USG Lowcock for their briefings.

China appreciates the good offices by the special envoy and supports his continued efforts to enhance communication with all parties in Syria and the Astana guarantor, listen to the reasonable requests of the Syrian government and continue to advance the political process in accordance with the principle of "Syrian leadership and ownership" and Council resolution 2254. As Syria 's political, security and humanitarian issues are intertwined, we must do the following to advance the political process in the country.

First, stay the course towards political settlement and make good use of the Constitutional Committee as a platform. Political solution is the only way to end the Syrian crisis. Political solution to the Syrian issue must be based on maintaining Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. The establishment of a constitutional committee is a good start for the Syrian political process. Its role should be fully leveraged on the basis of existing outcomes. Differences among Syrian parties in the work of the Constitutional Committee, while unavoidable, should be resolved through dialogue. Attention should be paid to maintaining the independence of the work of the Constitutional Committee and creating conditions for all parties in Syria to narrow their differences and build consensus. We hope that members of the Constitutional Committee will demonstrate their political will, uphold the spirit of compromise, and play a constructive role in reaching consensus among all parties in Syria.

Second, terrorism in Syria should be eradicated to create a favorable security environment for the political process. Rampant terrorism has seriously affected the Syria's political process and the country's future, and must be taken seriously and addressed by all parties. Idlib has become a breeding ground for terrorism, and the acute problems of FTFs has created serious spillover effects. Countries should eliminate the "safe havens" established by terrorist groups in Syria in accordance with Council resolutions and international law. This is also a requirement of Resolution 2254. China supports all parties concerned in continuing to seek comprehensive and long-term solutions to the Idlib issue through dialogue and negotiation.

Third, efforts should be made to improve the humanitarian situation in Syria, which will help advance the political settlement process. The international community should step up humanitarian aid to Syria, support the UN in providing help for the displaced people. Humanitarian aid to Syria should have no political strings attached. In the long run, we should support the Syrian government in carrying out reconstruction in areas where the security situation is relatively stable. The international community has a moral responsibility to help Syria restore economic development and tranquility. To carry out humanitarian relief operations in Syria, it is necessary to enhance communication and coordination with the Syrian government and respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Thank you, Mr. President.