Mr. President,

Over the course of this year, the CAR Government overcame considerable difficulties, successfully held presidential and legislative elections, continued to improve the securities situation, actively facilitated the republican dialogue, and announced a unilateral ceasefire last month. China welcomes this. MINUSCA, as mandated by the Council, has been actively carrying out its work under the leadership of Special Representative Ndiaye, and has made important efforts to improve the situation in the CAR. At present, the CAR has yet to achieve lasting peace and the continued presence of MINUSCA is still necessary. Therefore China supports the renewal of MINUSCA’s mandate. We hope that MINUSCA will stay more closely engaged with the CAR Government to increase mutual trust and work together with the Government to maintain peace and stability in the country. 

Mr. President, 

The consent of the countries concerned is important principle that peacekeeping operations must adhere to. The CAR’s Foreign Minister Baïpo-Temon sent a letter to the President of the Council, hoping that the resolution will show greater respect of the sovereignty of the CAR and the leadership and ownership of the CAR Government, place greater emphasis on threats facing the CAR including armed groups. The CAR’s reasonable suggestions have not been given full consideration. China regrets that. That's why China has opted to abstain from the vote on the draft resolution. China hopes that the CAR’s reasonable opinions will be given more attention to by the penholder going forward. 

Thank you, Mr. President.