Mr. President,

First of all, I welcome Foreign Minister Sylvie Baïpo-Temon of the CAR to today's meeting. I thank Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza, Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, and Commissioner Bankole Adeoye for their briefings. I also listened attentively to the statement by Mr. Rhosyns Ngatondang. In connection with the Secretary-General's report, I wish to make the following points.

First, the peace process in the CAR has registered important progress. China appreciates the CAR Government for honoring the commitments in the peace agreement, accelerating the DDR process, and advancing local level peace processes. China is pleased to see that multiple armed groups in the CAR have recently announced their disarmament, and calls upon armed groups that have not yet disarmed to cease hostilities and promptly join the peace process, so that all parties can jointly uphold the hard-won gains of peace. China appreciates and supports the continued constructive role played by the AU, the ICGLR and ECCAS, among others, and expects the international community to provide financial and technical support for the CAR’s peace process, local elections, and DDR process.

The constitutional referendum to be held in the CAR next month is a major step in its political process. China encourages all parties to enhance mutual trust through dialogue and resolve possible differences. MINUSCA can provide necessary support for the conduct of the referendum in light of the needs of the CAR.

Second, China supports the CAR Government's efforts in maintaining security and protecting civilians. At present, armed groups continue to carry out violent activities in regions outside Bangui, the capital, threatening local stability. In March this year, an attack took place in the town of Bambari in the CAR, causing the casualties of 11 Chinese citizens. China strongly condemns this and requests an in-depth investigation and severe punishments for the perpetrators. China thanks MINUSCA for the enhanced protection of Chinese citizens on the ground and the necessary assistance offered to the Chinese Embassy.

The security and humanitarian situations in the border areas among the CAR, Chad, Sudan, and other neighboring countries merit great attention. The international community should, in a targeted manner, help the CAR armed forces enhance security capacity building and guard against the threats of armed groups. We need to support the CAR in bolstering border control with neighbors and in safeguarding common security. MINUSCA should, as mandated by the Security Council, support the CAR security forces in enhancing deployment and protecting civilians.

Third, the CAR government has on multiple occasions made strong requests for the Security Council to completely lift the arms embargo, which have enjoyed positive responses from regional countries. On June 13, the AUPSC reiterated the request for lifting the arms embargo on the CAR. The Security Council should heed the legitimate aspirations of the CAR and regional countries by adjusting ill-fitted sanctions measures without delay and completely lifting the embargo at an early date.

Mr. President,

Under the leadership of SRSG Rugwabiza, MINUSCA has stepped up coordination with the CAR Government and worked extensively in responding to the threat of armed groups, protecting civilians, and supporting local elections, among others. Incidents of SOFA violations have seen a marked decline. This fully demonstrates that establishing mutual trust with the country concerned and engaging in cooperation are the prerequisite for the successful mandate delivery of any PKO, China supports MINUSCA and the SRSG in playing a greater role in the peace process of the CAR

Thank you, Mr. President.