President,

I wish to start by congratulate the UK on assuming the presidency of the Council for the month of November. The Chinese delegation will render you and your colleagues our full support. I also congratulate Switzerland for completing successfully its presidency last month.

I welcome His Excellency Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as representatives from Serbia, Croatia, and the European Union at today’s meeting.

As an important country in the Balkans region, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been ravaged by war, and its people have been yearning for peace and tranquility. Inclusive reconciliation and harmonious coexistence among all ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina will help the country maintain peace and stability and accelerate its integration in the European Union, which meets the common expectations of regional countries and the international community.

China welcomes the recent smooth local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which showcased the inclusiveness and restraint among all ethnic groups, creating thereby a positive and favorable atmosphere for next year’s general elections. At the same time, we note with concern that for some time now, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been marked by occasional words and deeds that aggravate ethnic rivalries and undermine national unity, the national reconciliation process has encountered serious challenges, political divisions have become ever more prominent, and the situation ever more complex. We call on all ethnic groups in Bosnia, with the goal of promoting the development of the country and the well-being of its people, to actively engage in dialogue, enhance mutual trust, and work together to maintain the political and social stability of the country. We call on the international community to adopt a fair, balanced, and prudent approach on the question of Bosnia and Herzegovina, fully heed the views and concerns of the three communities in the country, and refrain from taking sides, imposing solutions, interfering in internal affairs, or even imposing unilateral sanctions.

China's position on the High Representative system and the selection of its candidacy remains unchanged. We are concerned about the controversies arising from the appointment of the High Representative and use of Bonn Powers in recent years. Since the beginning of this year, Mr. Christian Schmidt has frequently invoked the Bonn Powers to revise domestic laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina, constantly creating divisions and differences, which has given rise to considerable controversies. I wish to reiterate that the affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be ultimately decided and managed by the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina on their own. Both the High Representative system and the Bonn Powers are special arrangements for special historical period, and cannot remain for long, still less permanent.

President,

China’s position on question of Bosnia and Herzegovina is consistent and clear. We respect the state sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the independent choice of its people for the future of the country. We encourage people of all ethnic groups to actively engage in constructive dialogue and achieve national inclusiveness and reconciliation. It is our constant hope that all parties will put the interest of the country and people first and work together to maintain political stability of the country.

China appreciates the constructive roles played by Serbia, Croatia, and other regional countries in maintaining security and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and welcomes the renewal of EUFOR mandate. China will remain committed to developing friendship with the people of all ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and playing a constructive role in safeguarding the peace and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the tranquility of the region.

Thank you, President.