Madam President,

I thank SRSG Ms. Zerrougui and Ambassador Abarry, Chair of 1533 Committee, for their briefings.

The overall situation of the DRC in recent months is stable. We see the reforms are gradually advancing and taking effects. The relations between the DRC and neighboring countries are improving. Meanwhile, the security situation in the eastern part of that country remains volatile. The COVID-19 and Ebola pandemics exacerbate the already grave humanitarian situation. The international community should continue to play a constructive role in helping the DRC achieve peace, stability and development at an early date. To this end, I would like to emphasize the following four points:

First, the parties of the ruling coalition should maintain cooperation, which is the key to political stability of the DRC. According to the Secretary-General's report, tensions grew recently within the ruling coalition. We call on both parties to put the interests of the country and people first, and commit to dialogue and consultation to address the challenges faced by the country. We have noted that the leaders of the two parties publicly reaffirmed their commitment to the coalition, which is a positive sign. We would like to echo the Secretary-General’s observations to encourage the political leaders of both parties, especially President Tshisekedi, to engage with relevant stakeholders, transcend partisan interests and work together for the peace, stability and development of the country.

Second, efforts should be made to address the root causes of the conflicts. Since the beginning of this year, the frequency and intensity of conflicts in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri continue to increase. In his report, the Secretary-General points out that the competition for land, resources and power is the main cause of the bloodshed. MONUSCO is developing provincial strategies to address the root causes of the conflict, which is quite meaningful. We hope that these strategies will provide viable solutions to accelerate development in the DRC and promote the benefit of development to be shared by all. We also hope that the national DDR framework could be developed by the government as soon as possible, which would contribute substantially to the country’s social stability and long-term security.

Third, MONUSCO and its FIB play an important role in maintaining peace and security in the eastern part of the DRC with great sacrifices. On the issue of MONUSCO and FIB reconfiguration and improvements, we believe it is essential to fully listen to the views of all parties, make decisions prudently and move forward steadily. We look forward to the joint strategy for MONUSCO’s transition, which is to be worked out by the DRC government and MONUSCO. I would like to reiterate that any future adjustments to MONUSCO should be gradual, responsible and sustainable, so as to avoid any security vacuum or jeopardizing the achievement of decades of peacekeeping operations.

Fourth, the current humanitarian situation in the DRC is grave, as both COVID-19 and Ebola are spreading and millions of people are faced with the food security challenges. The international community should redouble its efforts to help the DRC to tide over these difficulties. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has provided the DRC with several batches of PPEs and sent a team of medical experts to share experience of prevention and control on the front line. China will continue to provide tangible assistance to the DRC, and firmly support the DRC in its pursuit of peace, stability and development.

Madam President,

China appreciates the progress made by 1533 Committee under the chairmanship of Ambassador Abarry. It is our consistent position that sanctions are a means, not an end. As the political and security situation in the DRC evolves, it is necessary for the Committee to consider how to ensure that the sanctions measures square with the peace endeavor and political process of the DRC. The Group of Experts should carry out its duties in strict compliance with its mandate, with professionalism and impartiality. They are encouraged to strengthen analysis on information provided with regard to alleged violations. Those unverified contents should not be included in the reports.

Thank you, Madam President.