President,

Let me extend my warm welcome to colleagues from Brussels attending the informal meeting between the Security Council and the EU PSC.

The world today is faced with major challenges and a grim security situation. To end conflicts, restore peace, and effectively address different kinds of threats and risks, we must tackle the root causes of conflicts, jointly pursue peace and stability, and make genuine efforts to uphold the spirit of multilateralism.

In this context, the United Nations, as the core of the international system, must live up to its mission, and the EU, as an important force on the international stage, must shoulder its responsibilities. China has always supported the cooperation between the UN and the EU in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. In our view, it is important to focus on the following principles.

First is the need for a more effective security architecture. The Ukraine crisis needs a political solution that addresses the security architecture of Europe. An early restoration of peace bears on the future of Europe. Nobody should have the illusion that they can force the other side to the negotiation table by gaining the upper hand on the battlefield. Such a mindset could only further escalate confrontation and prolong the war.

In the current situation, the principle of indivisible security is of particular importance and should be championed and put into practice. The legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously and addressed in a balanced manner. And joint efforts should be made to build a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture. 

Second, we need more dialogue and consultations. A world mired in turbulence and chaos serves no one’s interests, and the maintenance of peace and stability must always be our joint pursuit.

In this process, it is only natural for countries to have different views on certain issues. Different or even conflicting interests are inevitable. However, this should not prevent us from treating each other as partners. Rather, it only makes it more imperative for us to enhance mutual understanding through dialogue, and jointly address global challenges.

Third, we should safeguard multilateralism. In Europe, there is a phrase called a Pyrrhic victory, meaning a victory achieved at so great a cost that negates any true sense of achievement. In China, we have a similar saying “Injure 1000 enemy soldiers but lose 800 of your own”. 

Many issues facing today’s world, such as security, trade, and technology, may end up in such a lose-lose scenario if handled inappropriately. That’s why we need multilateralism, exemplified by the UN, to help us find proper solutions to the challenges facing us. Countries don’t have to engage in zero-sum competitions. There is absolutely no need for a new Cold War. And the world is big enough for all countries to progress and prosper at the same time.

We hope all countries can transcend their historical, cultural, geopolitical, and institutional differences, come together under the banner of multilateralism, and jointly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

China puts Europe high on its diplomatic agenda and views Europe as a key partner for cooperation. We have always attached great importance to our relations with the EU, and we hope to see the EU strengthen its strategic autonomy, play a greater role in international affairs, and make greater contributions to world peace and security.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and the EU. We stand ready to deepen cooperation with the EU in the UN and other multilateral fora, and together make unremitting efforts to safeguard world peace, promote common development, and improve global governance. 

Thank you, President.