I thank Under-Secretary O’Brien for his briefing.

Conflict has recently intensified in parts of Syria, resulting in civilian casualties, the destruction of medical and relief facilities and the obstruction of United Nations humanitarian relief operations. At the same time, we have also taken note of the fact that humanitarian assistance in Syria over the first six months of this year has yielded some results.

China is very sympathetic to the suffering that the Syrian people have endured over the past five years. We urge the Syrian parties concerned to effectively implement the relevant Security Council resolutions, comprehensively open up humanitarian access, cease hostilities as soon as possible and create the conditions necessary to enable the United Nations to continue to carry out its humanitarian relief program. The international community should lend a helping hand and provide assistance to Syria and the neighboring countries that are taking in refugees, so as to help alleviate the suffering of civilians in besieged and hard-to-reach areas and refugees located outside Syria.

A political solution is the only way out with regard to the situation in Syria. It is also the fundamental way out for a solution to the relevant Syrian issues, including the Syrian humanitarian issue. The international community should be firm and unwavering in undertaking a political solution to the Syrian issue, continue to allow the Syrian people determine the future and fate of Syria, continue to have the United Nations play its primary role in pursuing its good offices, firmly support Special Envoy de Mistura’s work, and launch the next round of Intra-Syrian talks as soon as possible. All Syrian parties should follow the principle of resolving easier issues first and difficult ones later, take a step-by-step approach, meet each other half-way, build mutual confidence and gradually find a solution acceptable to all.

China has been actively supporting efforts to ease the Syrian humanitarian situation. Through multiple channels, China has provided numerous forms of humanitarian assistance, including food and supplies, to Syria and other countries in the region. China wishes to work with the international community and continue to contribute to easing the humanitarian crisis in Syria.