Mr. President, 

I listened to the briefings by the two briefers. I also read the letter to the President of the Security Council by Sweden, Denmark and Germany.

The explosion of Nord Stream pipeline happened nearly ten months ago. The Security Council has held a number of discussions on this matter in different formats. China has already comprehensively set up its position. Today, I will only stress three points. 

First, the Nord Stream pipeline explosion not only poses a threat to the safety of transnational infrastructure, but also has a negative impact on the ecological environment and the safety of shipping in the relevant maritime areas. It is essential to adopt an approach that is responsible for the security and development of the region and carry out an independent and professional investigation into the incident, and ensure that the conclusions are objective, impartial, authoritative, and can stand the test of history. 

Second, the countries concerned have been conducting country-specific investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline explosion for quite some time. A clear statement, however, is yet to come. The longer the delay, the more difficult it will be to collect evidence and find the truth, the more doubts and speculations, and the less credible the results of the investigations will be. China believes that the best way to respond to concerns of the international community is to announce the results of the investigation as soon as possible, even if it is only a milestone. 

Third, the Nord Stream pipeline explosion took place against the backdrop of the Ukraine crisis. The parties concerned have made very different analysis and interpretation in the wake of that incident. We call on all parties not to politicize investigations, still less use it as an opportunity for political manipulation. Russia is one of the main parties involved in the explosion, and any objective and impartial investigation requires communication and cooperation with Russia. I hope that the countries concerned will acknowledge this and take positive steps accordingly. 

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate China's call for an early clarification of the facts surrounding the explosion and for their perpetrators to be brought to justice. China supports the Secretariat to provide more useful information and the Council to remain seized of the matter. 

Thank you, President.