Mr. President,

I wish to thank President Abraham of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for his presentation of the work of the ICJ over the past year. Such dialogue is extremely important for the enhancement of the communication and exchange between the Security Council and the ICJ.

Over the past year, the ICJ has conducted a large amount of judicial activities. China wishes to express its appreciation for the effort of the ICJ to conscientiously perform its duty and actively carry out its work, and to thank all the judges and staff of the ICJ for their diligent work.

Mr. President,

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the world's Anti-fascist War and the 69th year of the history of the ICJ. During its journey of 69 years, the ICJ has reached 120 judgments and issued 27 advisory opinions on a wide range of important issues, such as non-use of force, non-interference in internal affairs, diplomatic and consular relations and decolonization, thus making great contribution to the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Through its judicial activities, the ICJ has applied, interpreted, clarified or confirmed the relevant principles and rules of international law, which contributed to the further clarification of norms governing state-to-state relations. China has always kept a close eye on the judicial activities of the ICJ and paid great attention to the positive role of the ICJ in promoting the progressive development of international law.

Next year, the ICJ will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the official start of its operation. Its establishment was aimed at realizing a major purpose of the United Nations, namely, "to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace". Practice has proven that, as one of the six major organs and the principal judicial organ of the UN, the ICJ plays an indispensable role in fulfilling the purpose of the UN of maintaining international peace and security. The international community has high hopes for the ICJ to carry out judicial activities in a just manner and use legal means to safeguard international peace and security.

Mr. President,

As an ancient Chinese adage goes, "the greatest ideal is to create a world truly shared by all." International law is the norm governing conducts in international exchanges, and an important basis for judging right and wrong and settling disputes in international relations. In the face of the new international situation, China is willing to work together with other countries to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and build a new type of international relations with win-win cooperation at the core. We should build partnership in which countries treat each other as equals, engage in mutual consultation and show mutual understanding; we should create a security architecture featuring fairness, justice, joint contribution and shared benefits; we should promote open, innovative and inclusive development that benefits all; we should increase inter-civilization exchanges to promote harmony, inclusiveness and respect for differences; and we should build an ecosystem that puts mother nature and green development first, in order to build a community of common destiny of mankind. These are both China's position and ideas on the future development of international relations, and China's views, values and goals regarding the international rule of law. China will remain committed to safeguarding the authority and effectiveness of international law and will, as always, support the ICJ in fulfilling its responsibilities.

China hopes that the ICJ will continue to faithfully perform its judicial functions, promote the international rule of law, maintain the international order anchored in the UN Charter, and contribute to the creation of a new type of international relations with win-win cooperation at its core and to the ushering in of a future of peace, stability, development and prosperity for the international community.

Thank you, Mr. President.