Mr. President,

I thank Special Representative Keita and Ambassador Abarry for their briefings. I have also listened carefully to the statement made by Ms. Mbangu. I welcome the presence of the DRC representative in today's meeting.

Since the formation of the new government of the DRC, a series of positive measures have been taken in political, security, economic and other aspects. Meanwhile, the security and humanitarian situation in eastern provinces is still grim, and challenges remains in achieving long-term peace and stability in the DRC. In connection with the Secretary-General's report, I would like to make the following points.

First, every effort should continue to be made to maintain political stability. The Government of the DRC has formulated and implemented a three-year program of action, which serves as a roadmap for lasting peace and sustainable developments in the country. China appreciates these efforts and hopes that the Government of the DRC will focus on promoting reforms in key areas and improving governance capabilities. Electoral reform is essential for the national unity of the DRC. China encourages all parties to carry out inclusive dialogue to properly resolve differences within the constitutional framework. President Tshisekedi and leaders of regional countries have reached a series of important consensus on maintaining regional security, combating the threat of armed groups, and strengthening economic and trade ties. China hopes that countries in the region will continue to improve their relations, strengthen exchange and enhance cooperation, so as to lay a solid foundation for lasting peace and stability in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. China welcomes the new strategy and action plan for the Great Lakes region formulated by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region, and believe that the above-mentioned efforts will inject new momentum to regional cooperation.

Second, the security issues in the eastern region should be addressed in a comprehensive manner. In response to the unstable situation in the east, the DRC Government has taken a series of measures, including declaring the state of siege, promulgating disarmament, demobilization and stabilization programs and appointing a coordinator in this regard. President Tshisekedi also presented the developments in his address to the General Assembly. China recognizes the determination of the DRC Government in combating violent activities by armed groups, and hopes that MONUSCO and the DRC armed forces will maintain coordination and cooperation to strengthen the protection of civilians. MONUSCO and the DRC Government have jointly formulated 18 benchmarks and risk mitigation measures for withdrawal, and added more details to MONUSCO’s drawdown and withdrawal plan, which will help all parties to follow the progress and clarify responsibilities. In areas where MONUSCO has withdrawn, the UN development and humanitarian agencies should promptly follow up to help the local government in post-conflict peacebuilding and ensure that progress in peace will now be reversed.

Third, development and humanitarian input should be increased. At present, the DRC is faced with multiple health challenges such as COVID-19, malaria and cholera, as well as a large number of refugees and displaced persons in the country. Its national development reform needs urgent financial support. Meanwhile, the UN humanitarian response plan severely lacks funding, limiting its response capability to the current serious humanitarian situation. China calls on the international community, in particular international financial institutions, to honor their aid commitments to the DRC, by increasing investment to help the country tackle the current challenges. The Global Development Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in the general debate of the General Assembly will help the international community form synergy in assisting developing countries, including the DRC, in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and help eliminate the development gap and the root causes of conflicts.

Mr. President,

China has always emphasized that sanctions are only a means, not an end. As the drawdown of MONUSCO continues, the DRC Governments will gradually assume the main responsibility for maintaining national security and stability. The Security Council should actively respond to the concerns of the DRC Government regarding the adjustment of sanction measures to avoid the negative impact on the country's capacity building in security.

Mr. President,

China has always been committed to helping the DRC achieve peace, stability and development. The 25th batch of Chinese peacekeepers to the DRC have all arrived at the mission area recently. Since 2003, China has sent more than 3,000 peacekeepers to the DRC to carry out more than 1,000 security and support missions. The 400,000 doses of COVID vaccines provided by China has recently arrived in the country. China will continue to work with the international community to support the efforts of the DRC Government in achieving long-term national peace and stability.

Thank you, Mr. President.