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Remarks by Ambassador Dai Bing at the General Debate of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations

2023-02-21 22:15

Mr. Chair,


At the outset, I wish to take this opportunity to pay the highest tribute to all peacekeepers who serve in the 12 mission areas, and offer our condolences to the three MINUSMA peacekeepers who lost their lives today. 


Peacekeeping operations are an important means for the UN to maintain international peace and security. At present, global challenges keep emerging. Unilateralism, the Cold War mentality, and bullying acts are upsetting the world’s tranquility. The uncertainties and instabilities in international peace and security continue to rise. Under this context, we need to effectively implement the A4P+ Initiative, continue to improve PKOs, and better leverage their roles. I wish to make the following three points. 


First, we need to strengthen the overall planning of PKOs. A reasonable mandate is the prerequisite for effective PKOs. The central task of PKOs is to resolve conflicts and achieve peace. Thus PKO mandates must first focus on political settlement and avoid excessive intervention in areas where the countries concerned should bear primary responsibilities. Meanwhile, it is imperative to fully respect the views of the countries concerned, fully understand the considerations of regional countries, and refrain from imposing ideas based on political considerations, ideology, and preconceptions. Last August, the Security Council adopted the presidential statement on capacity building for Africa drafted by China, requesting the Secretary-General to submit a report within one year to evaluate the mandate of peacekeeping missions and to make recommendations on the adjustment of mandates or the formulation of the exit strategy. We look forward to further discussions among all parties on streamlining and optimizing PKO’s mandates following the publication of the report.


Successful PKOs must be equipped with sufficient resources for mandate delivery. We must also effectively improve resource utilization. It is important to continue to improve the performance evaluation system and guide the continued improvement of mandate delivery of PKOs. The Secretariat should fully engage with TCCs. Both pre-deployment training and in-mission training are effective means to enhance peacekeeping capacity building, meriting our equal attention.


Second, we need to effectively guarantee the safety and security of peacekeepers. At present, PKOs are facing rising security risks. Member States and the Secretariat should make joint efforts for the timely identification, accurate assessment, and effective removal of all risks threatening the life and health of peacekeepers. And we should strive to improve Mission’s early warning and emergency response capacity, enhance the medical support system, and make proper use of the new technologies for better equipment and a higher level of security. IEDs pose a serious threat to peacekeepers’ safety and security. Priority should be given to promoting the fielding of mine-protected vehicles and providing targeted personnel training. A good public image can create a safe environment for peacekeepers to fulfill the mandate. PKOs need to fully engage in strategic communication to help local communities correct misunderstandings and unreasonable expectations of Missions’ mandates and ways of delivery. China supports the Secretariat’s coordinating efforts to advance the agenda on peacekeepers' safety and security and to monitor the implementation of the relevant work through focal points for peacekeepers’ safety and security. 


Third, we need to continue to strengthen peacekeeping partnerships. Successful PKOs depend on the joint efforts of all stakeholders. The GA, the Security Council, the Secretariat, host countries, financial contributors, and T/PCCs, among others, should perform their respective duties to the best of their ability and act in coordination to provide PKOs with adequate resources and share responsibilities to improve peacekeeping performance. All parties should leverage existing mechanisms including meetings with T/PCCs and the Security Council working groups on peacekeeping operations to have in-depth discussions and contribute ideas for the reform of PKOs. The AU-led peace operations are a useful practice for Africans to resolve African problems in the African way. It is an important supplement to UN PKOs. China supports the provision of sufficient, predictable, and sustainable financial support to AU-led peace operations, and supports continued discussions among relevant parties to find a viable funding solution. 


Mr. Chair, 


China, as a major troop contributor and the second largest financial contributor for UN PKOs, has set up an 8,000-strong peacekeeping standby force. China took the lead in setting up the Group of Friends on the Safety and Security of UN Peacekeepers and held multiple thematic events on this topic, playing a positive role in improving peacekeepers' safety and security. Last year, China held the first Shared Vision international peacekeeping forum, inviting officials from major TCCs, financial contributors, and regional and international organizations to provide inputs on the reform and development of PKOs. China will continue to firmly uphold the international system with the UN at its core, actively participate in UN PKOs, and work with all parties to make greater contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security.


Thank you, Chair.


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