Madam President,

I thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, H.E. Ms. Heidi Grau, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, H.E. Mr. Halit Cevik, Chief Monitor of OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, for their briefings.

Signed in February 2015 and endorsed by the Security Council, Minsk Agreement II has played a vital role in the political mediation of the Ukrainian crisis. Tomorrow will mark the sixth anniversary of the signing of the agreement. Regrettably, many provisions of the agreement have yet to be implemented, and there has been no fundamental progress in the political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.

China calls on all parties concerned to earnestly implement the agreement, stay committed to the direction of political settlement, seek a comprehensive solution to the crisis through dialogue and consultations, promote peace, stability and development in Ukraine, strive for harmonious relationship among all ethnic groups in Ukraine and promote peaceful coexistence between Ukraine and countries in the region.

China has all along upheld an objective and impartial position on the Ukrainian crisis. We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine. We oppose any external interference in Ukraine's internal affairs. We always believe that military solution offers no way out. Dialogue and negotiation is the only way to resolve crisis. China will continue to play a constructive role in the political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.

I thank you, Madam President.