(Photo by Li Muzi, Xinhua News Agency)

I thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Tayé-Brook Zerihoun, as well as Ambassadors Apakan and Sajdik for their respective briefings.

China has been following the situation in eastern Ukraine closely, and is concerned about the recurring hostilities. We have taken note that the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group recently held multiple consultations on the implementation of the Minsk Agreements. We have also noted that the ceasefire and other issues were discussed at the meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs in the Normandy format. Last year, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2202 (2015), endorsing the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements and demonstrating the Council's firm support for a political solution to the question of Ukraine. All parties must faithfully enforce the cessation of hostilities and violence and implement the Minsk agreement. They must also remain committed to seeking a comprehensive, lasting and balanced solution to the question of Ukraine through dialogue and consultation.

To seek a long-term solution that addresses the underlying causes of the issue, we should fully accommodate the legitimate rights, interests and aspirations of all regions and communities in Ukraine. It also must give equal importance to addressing all warranted concerns so as to achieve a balance of all interests.

China calls on all the parties concerned to exercise restraint and to work relentlessly towards a political settlement and the realization of peace, stability and development in Ukraine in order to promote both intercommunal harmony, as well as the peaceful coexistence of Ukraine and other countries. The international community should continue to support all diplomatic efforts towards seeking a political solution. Council discussions should contribute to the easing of tensions on the ground and the proper resolution of the question of Ukraine.