Distinguished Federal Councilor

Distinguished Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis,

I welcome you presiding over today’s meeting. I congratulate the Presidency of Switzerland for the month.

Mr. President,

I thank Director-General Rafael Grossi for his briefing.

At present, the crisis in Ukraine is still dragging on, and the situation is still serious. China has always been on the side of peace and dialogue, and insists on promoting peace talks and a political settlement. We look forward to and support the resumption of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible. This requires the joint efforts of the international community, and more importantly, the parties concerned to create conditions towards this end by starting with themselves and accumulating mutual trust.

The ongoing crisis in Ukraine poses a grave challenge to the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear facilities. China has repeatedly stated its position in previous Security Council deliberations. On February 24 this year China's position on the political settlement of the crisis in Ukraine was issued, which specifically calls for keeping nuclear power plants safe and opposes armed attacks against nuclear power plants or other peaceful nuclear facilities. It is disconcerting, that despite repeated warnings and appeals from the international community, China included, military operations have continued to take place at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the surrounding area of site. Power supplies have been interrupted several times, related facilities have been damaged on several occasions, and the military risks in the area have continue unabated. China is deeply concerned about this.

The Director-General of the IAEA has focused on the common concerns of all parties and puts forward a safe initiative for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which includes five principles, and he is actively conducting his good offices in this regard. China appreciates the Director-General's efforts and supports him and the IAEA in continuing to play a constructive role in promoting the safety and security of nuclear facilities. We call upon the parties concerned to adhere to the spirit of humanity, science and common sense, and communication and cooperation, strictly abide by the convention on nuclear safety and other relevant international laws, avoid any action that endangers nuclear facilities, and make every effort to avoid any accident.

Mr. President,

The issue of safety and security of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is only one aspect of the crisis in Ukraine, and its resolution ultimately depends on the prospects for political settlement of the crisis. All parties should focus on the overall picture of peace and common security and meet each other halfway, so as to create favorable conditions for the resumption of dialogue and the proper solution of the related issues, including the safety and security of nuclear power plants. The country with significant influence should play a responsible and constructive role, rather than adding oil to the fire. China will continue to work to promote peace talks and play a constructive role in advancing a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

I thank you, Mr. President.