Mr. President,

First of all, I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari and Ms. Lisa Doughten for their briefings. 

As the Ukraine crisis drags on, aggravated attacks and civilian casualties continue to occur, and the humanitarian situation keeps worsening. Today's briefings once again demonstrate the cruelty of the war and the severity of the situation. China is deeply concerned and saddened about this.  

Conflict and confrontation produce no winner. All conflicts have to end at the negotiating table. The earlier the talks start, the sooner peace will arrive. Only when all parties uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and properly address each other’s legitimate concerns, can Europe truly establish a balanced, effective, and sustainable security architecture. We call on all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, enhance direct engagement and dialogue, gradually build consensus, and collectively explore viable solutions. The international community should also increase diplomatic efforts to facilitate the deescalation of the situation and create conditions for a political settlement. 

On the Ukraine issue, China always holds an objective and just position and has never given up efforts to facilitate talks for peace. At present, the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs are conducting mediation visits to Russia, Ukraine, and relevant European countries to seek a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. China supports the holding in due course of an international peace conference that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine and ensures the equal participation of all parties and fair discussions on all peace plans. We are ready to continue communication and engagement with all parties to consolidate consensus for ending the conflict and paving the way for dialogue and peace talk. We will make tireless efforts and play a constructive role in facilitating a political solution to the crisis. 

Thank you, Mr. President.