Thank you, Madam President. 

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya and Executive Director David Beasley for their briefings, which gave us a worrying account of the situation on ground. 

The conflict situation in Ukraine is persisting. Effectively protecting civilian lives and meeting their humanitarian needs is a must. China calls for respect for international humanitarian law to avoid civilian casualties to the maximum extent, protect civilian facilities, provide safe passage for evacuation and humanitarian access, and ensure a continuous supply of basic necessities, such as food, drinking water, and medicines. Protection of vulnerable groups such as women and children must be strengthened. We support humanitarian agencies like OCHA and WFP in upholding the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality, as they continue to mobilize and coordinate international support to provide emergency humanitarian relief to conflict-affected populations, and to help Ukraine and its neighboring countries meet the enormous humanitarian needs. 

Madam President, 

We must also be cognizant that the ever-escalating, sweeping, indiscriminate sanctions have hit global energy, food, economic, trade and financial markets, and will continue to do so, affecting the lives and livelihoods of the general public, and giving rise to new humanitarian problems. Developing countries, which make up the majority of the world, are not parties to this conflict, and should not be drawn into the confrontation and forced to suffer the consequences of geopolitical clashes and sparring among major powers. 

Right now, global food security is being seriously challenged, which warrants due attention. Sanctions and economic blockades will only artificially exacerbate food shortages and price distortions, further disrupt food production and food supply chain across the world, push up food prices, and put such burdens on developing countries as they do not deserve. We call for enhanced international coordination to stabilize food supply and food prices, refrain from unjustified export restrictions, keep the market working in a stable manner, and ensure global food security. The United Nations, WFP, FAO, WTO and other agencies should actively contribute to coordinating food production and trade among countries, and helping developing countries survive the shocks. 

Madam President,

If the crisis continues and escalates, further damage is on its way, and it is not in the interest of any party. The most conclusive way towards a ceasefire to end hostilities is dialogue and negotiation. The international community should encourage and support continued direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine until a positive outcome is achieved and peace is restored. Security is indivisible and seeking absolute security by pitting one bloc against another is precisely the most assured way to achieve insecurity. The United States, NATO and EU should also engage in dialogue with Russia, accommodate the legitimate security concerns of all parties, and build a balanced, effective and sustainable regional security architecture through dialogue and negotiation. China will continue to work towards and play a constructive role in easing the situation and resolving the crisis. 

Thank you, Madam President.