Mr. Chair,

I thank the members of the Bureau, the ACABQ and the secretariat of the Fifth Committee for the work done for this meeting. About the organization of work, China associates itself with the statement made by Guinea on behalf of the Group and would like to add the following comments:

Finance serves as the foundation of and an important element underpinning the UN governance. Peacekeeping budget is the solid basis and important guarantee for the UN peacekeeping operations to execute their mandates. China supports the Fifth Committee's efforts to review the peacekeeping budget under the principle of facts and prudence, to approve the budget on time and to provide necessary resources to peacekeeping operations. We also request the Secretariat to continue to strengthen the comprehensive budgetary performance, improve internal control and rigorously enforce financial discipline. The Secretariat should use every penny from Member States prudently to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. We support the Board of Auditors in fully playing its role as an external audit body, in order to provide valuable recommendations to improve budgetary management.

UN peacekeeping operations have made important contributions to international peace and security. China would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all UN peacekeepers. The "Action for Peace" Initiative of Secretary-General Guterres has made good progress, marking a new start for peacekeeping operations. At the same time, due to the ever more challenging, complex and dangerous environments facing peacekeeping operations, it is all the more urgent to take concrete actions to guarantee the safety and security of peacekeepers. China has initiated the launch of the Group of Friends on the Safety and Security of UN Peacekeepers, for the purpose of further implementing the relevant resolutions and initiatives of the Security Council. China is donating 300,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to UN peacekeeping operations, which will be used for missions deployed in Africa on a priority basis. The donation is going through relevant procedures.

Last but not least, the financial situation of the UN is not optimistic, and peacekeeping budget is facing severe challenges. Liquidity shortage has brought difficulties to the mandate implementation by peacekeeping missions. Increased delays in reimbursement to the TCC/PCCs have further exacerbated the financial burden borne by these countries. China calls on all Member States, especially those with the capacity but still in arrears, to actively respond to the Secretary-General's appeal, fulfill financial obligations and make payments in full and on time. We also encourage the UN to reimburse TCC/PCCs in a timely manner.

Mr. Chair,

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of China's lawful seat at the UN. As the largest developing country, a permanent member of the Security Council, and the second largest contributor to UN regular budget and peacekeeping assessments, China has always been a strong supporter for the work of the UN. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and rising financial constraints at home, China has paid in full the contributions and various assessments at this stage. China will continue to safeguard the international system and firmly uphold multilateralism with concrete actions.

The Chinese delegation will work actively with other member states and take a constructive part in the consultations on various agenda items. We believe that under the Chair's strong leadership, this session will achieve full success.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.