President, 

I thank Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for the briefing. 

The Ukraine crisis has dragged on to this day. The fighting still has not stopped, and ordinary people are suffering immensely. Under no circumstance should civilians or civilian infrastructure become targets for attacks. The parties to the conflict should strictly observe international humanitarian law and make every effort to protect the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The international community and humanitarian agencies should, on the basis of abiding by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, make all efforts to carry out humanitarian assistance. 

At present, the Ukraine crisis is reaching a critical moment for a negotiated settlement. Although the situation on the battlefield remains complicated, the momentum for peace talks has already emerged, and the window of peace is opening. China welcomes the recent negotiations between Russia and the US and between Ukraine and the US, and encourages all efforts leading to peace. As the conflict is taking place on the European continent, it is only natural for Europe to play its role for peace. We support the participation of all parties concerned and all stakeholders in the peace talks process to properly address the root causes of the crisis and to reach a fair, lasting, and binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties concerned. The Ukraine crisis involves complex problems. The parties still have notable differences in their positions and proposals on a range of key issues. Restoring peace will inevitably require persistent efforts and remains a daunting task. We hope that the international community will make more rational voices heard for a ceasefire and peace talks, so as to create a positive atmosphere and enabling conditions for the political settlement of the crisis. 

President, 

Since the first day of the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, China has been calling for political settlement through dialogue and negotiation. President Xi Jinping has put forward the four points on what should be done, stressing that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be observed, the legitimate security concerns of all parties should be given due regard, and all efforts dedicated to peace should be supported. These four points have always been the fundamental guide for China on the Ukraine issue. Based on this guide, China put forth the six-point common understandings together with Brazil, sent its special envoy to engage in diplomatic mediation, and launched the Group of Friends for Peace with Brazil and other countries from the Global South. The developments in the situation prove that China’s proposals are objective, just, rational, and pragmatic, and reflect the broad consensus of the international community. China will continue to work with the international community to build consensus for peace, support peace efforts, and play a constructive role towards the political settlement of the crisis. 

Thank you, President.