President,

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing.

The Ukraine crisis is still raging on, characterized by expanding conflict and fighting, increasing civilian casualties, and growing spillover effects. This is deeply distressing and worrying. Last month, during the general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, leaders of many countries expressed their views and propositions on the Ukraine issue. Russia and Ukraine also elaborated on their respective positions. Despite the differences in views and proposals on the root causes of the issue, the current dynamics, and the path to ending the crisis, all countries unanimously called for an early restoration of peace. It can be said that peace is the greatest common denominator the international community can reach on the Ukraine crisis. 

It is precisely based on this understanding that on September 27, 17 countries of the Global South, including Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, South Africa, and Türkiye, on the margins of the general debate, held a ministerial meeting on the Ukraine crisis. France, Hungary, and Switzerland also participated as observers. At the meeting, participants expressed deep concerns about the risks arising from the current conflict, especially its impact on the Global South countries. They highlighted the importance of peaceful settlement of international disputes, and called for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis by diplomatic means. 

After the meeting, Brazil, China, and other participating countries issued a joint communique that calls for upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. It also calls on all parties to the conflict to abide by the principles of deescalation of the situation, emphasizing the importance of no expansion of the battlefield and no escalation of fighting. Furthermore, it calls for refraining from the use or threat of use of weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons and chemical and biological weapons, and every effort be made to prevent nuclear proliferation and avoid a nuclear war. 

The countries concerned have also agreed to set up a Group of Friends for Peace on the UN platform to further mobilize voices for peace, promote consensus for peace, and support peace efforts. The Group of Friends for Peace has no intention of interfering with, influencing, or replacing existing platforms and mechanisms or negotiating on behalf of the parties concerned, namely, Russia and Ukraine, much less imposing any peace proposals. The Group will conduct its work in a flexible way, engage in dialogue inclusively, and engage with all parties in an open spirit. It welcomes the participation of like-minded countries, especially those from the Global South, to jointly create synergies and build peace together. 

President, 

The US Representative in his statement just now once again attacked and smeared China, which we strongly oppose. I would like to highlight the following three points. 

First, China’s position on the Ukraine issue is objective and impartial. We neither support any party, nor do we favor any party. China has always adhered to the general direction of a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and has maintained contacts with all parties concerned, including Russia and Ukraine. During the general debate of the 79th UNGA session, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held respective meetings with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts to actively promote peace talks. We have provided timely briefings to Russia and Ukraine on the holding of the ministerial meeting on Ukraine and the establishment of the Group of Friends for Peace, and have listened to their views. 

Second, China’s position on the Ukraine issue has been consistent, namely, promoting a ceasefire and a political settlement. At the outset of the conflict, President Xi Jinping put forward four points on what should be done, making it clear that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states should be respected, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be observed. China has also issued a document entitled China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, and issued six common understandings with Brazil calling for a political settlement of the crisis. The Special Representative of the Chinese Government has maintained close contact with all parties and actively engaged in shuttle diplomacy, working for peace and facilitating talks. 

Third, China’s position on the Ukraine issue is open and aboveboard. We have no intention to seek selfish gains or create confrontations. China is not a creator of the Ukraine crisis, much less a party to the conflict. China has never provided lethal weapons to any party to the conflict, and has maintained consistent and strict export controls over dual-use items. We call on the international community to work together to address the negative spillover effects of the crisis, jointly maintain the security and stability of industrial and supply chains, and resist taking advantage of the situation to suppress dissent, decouple, and sever the chains. We oppose the use of the Ukraine issue by the US to smear and put pressure on China and the imposition of illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction on Chinese entities and individuals. We will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens.

Thank you, President.

Second Round of Remarks by Ambassador Geng Shuang at the UN Security Council Briefing on Ukraine

President,

I will also be brief. The Group of Friends for Peace initiated by China and other Global South countries has only one purpose, that is, achieving a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis as soon as possible and restoring peace in Europe. We hope that the US representative will correctly understand the efforts by China and other Global South countries, and participate in this positive political process.

Thank you.

Third Round of Remarks by Ambassador Geng Shuang at the UN Security Council Briefing on Ukraine

President,

I suggest that the US representative read the joint communique issued on September 27 after the ministerial meeting convened by China and other Global South countries.

Thank you.