President,

I wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their briefings. 

The crisis in Ukraine drags on to this day, and the fighting continues unabated. The recent multiple attacks have resulted in new civilian casualties and infrastructure damage and destruction, with women, children, and other vulnerable groups bearing the brunt. This is heartbreaking. We reiterate our call that civilians and civilian infrastructure should not be targeted under any circumstances. Parties to the conflict should strictly abide by international humanitarian law and make every effort to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. 

Recently, the relevant parties have had a series of engagements and negotiations on the Ukraine issue. China supports all efforts towards peace. The Ukraine crisis involves complex factors. Achieving a ceasefire is by no means easy, and restoring peace cannot be accomplished overnight. The more we reach the critical moment of negotiations, the more we need to exercise patience and wisdom. China has three expectations. First, we expect the parties concerned to demonstrate political will, maintain the momentum of peace talks, and through dialogue and consultation achieve a ceasefire and restore peace at an early date. Second, we expect all stakeholders to be able to participate in the peace talks, to work together to address the root causes of the crisis and to reach a peace agreement that is fair, lasting, binding, and acceptable to all parties. As the war is taking place on the European continent, Europe certainly has a role to play for peace. Third, we expect the UN and the international community to create a positive atmosphere and favorable conditions, and provide necessary assistance for the peace talks. 

President, 

China's position on the Ukraine issue is objective, impartial, rational, and pragmatic. We have made consistent efforts to promote peace talks and a political settlement. We have always followed the four shoulds proposed by President Xi Jinping as our fundamental guideline, that is, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be upheld, the legitimate security concerns of all parties should be taken seriously, and all efforts for peace should be supported. We actively maintain communication and engagement with all parties, and work tirelessly for peace talks. China, with Brazil and other countries, have launched a Group of Friends for Peace to build consensus for peace and advance peace efforts. China stands ready to continue working with the Global South and the wider international community to play a constructive role in achieving an early political solution to the crisis. 

Thank you, President.