At the outset I wish to thank the briefers for their presentations.

The recent situation in South Sudan remains complex. On the one hand, the security situation in Juba is easing. President Kiir is continuing to implement the joint communiqué (S/2016/776, annex) issued by the Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan and the Security Council. He has agreed to the participation of troops from relevant neighboring countries in the Regional Protection Force. Furthermore, the Transitional National Legislative Assembly has started its work, and the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has organized a workshop on setting up the permanent ceasefire and transitional security arrangements. On the other hand, the overall situation in South Sudan remains grim, with numerous difficulties involving humanitarian assistance. The international community should continue to provide assistance in the following areas.

First, it is necessary to continue pushing for a political process aimed at resolving the issue of South Sudan. The international community should accelerate efforts to ensure that all of the parties in South Sudan return to the track of implementing the political settlement and peace agreement in the interest of resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation, in a joint effort to achieve the peace, stability and development of South Sudan.

China supports all means aimed at strengthening further implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in the areas of good offices, the protection of civilians and assisting humanitarian access, with a view to resolving the problems encountered in the process of cooperation with the Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan through patient dialogue and consultation.

Secondly, it is necessary to ensure the full participation of regional and subregional organizations. China has consistently backed the settlement of African issues by Africans using their own methodologies. It has supported the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in its leading role in the settlement of the South Sudan issue. The United Nations must increase its support to the JMEC Chairperson, Mr. Festus Mogae, and the African Union High Representative for South Sudan, Mr. Alpha Oumar Konaré, so as to enhance mutual cooperation and coordination in the interest of enhancing synergy in the political settlement of the South Sudan issue.

Thirdly, the implementation of the relevant Council resolutions must enjoy the support and cooperation of the Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan. The Transitional Government is committed to the implementation of the joint communiqué issued with the Security Council and the implementation of resolution 2304 (2016). It is also committed to supporting the full implementation of the UNMISS mandate and the work of the humanitarian actors.

The Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan agreed to allow the relevant neighboring countries to send their troops to participate in the Regional Protection Force and agreed to discuss Regional-Protection-Force lands with UNMISS. The Security Council and the relevant parties should seize this opportunity to encourage the Transitional Government to promote consultations with all parties involved and implement the joint communiqué and relevant Council resolutions in a joint effort to promote peace and stability in South Sudan.

Fourthly, China commends Ambassador Seck for his leadership in the active work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan and has taken note of the interim report submitted by the Panel of Experts to the Sanctions Committee (S/2016/963). China urges the Panel to strictly abide by the Council’s mandate and conduct its work objectively and fairly in putting forward its practical recommendations to the Sanctions Committee concerning South Sudan.

In today’s complex situation, the Security Council should send further positive signals to all sides and encourage all parties in South Sudan to continue their efforts to implement the peace agreement. The Council should be prudent in taking action on the sanctions, with a view to avoiding complicating the situation.