I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, Assistant Secretary-General Mueller and Mr. Mogae, Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission.

Late last month, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the international community, the High-level Revitalization Forum was successfully held, and the South Sudanese parties signed the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access. China welcomes these developments and appreciates the active efforts made by IGAD.

China is ready to continue to support IGAD, the African Union and other regional and subregional organizations in playing a leading mediation role on the question of South Sudan. But we should also be mindful of the fact that the current political and security situation in South Sudan remains fragile and continues to face many severe challenges. The international community should further increase its support and assistance to South Sudan. It is imperative to continue to promote the political process in South Sudan, as a political solution is the only way out in addressing the question of South Sudan. China has noted that after the cessation of hostilities agreement was signed, there have been multiple incidents involving clashes and fighting.

China supports the 12 January joint statement of the Secretary-General and the African Union Chairperson on the question of South Sudan. We urge the parties to seize the important opportunity offered by the High-level Revitalization Forum, take concrete actions to implement the ceasefire agreement, immediately cease the fighting and violence, and return to the negotiating table.

The international community should continue to support the mediation efforts of IGAD, the African Union and other regional organizations and focus on assisting them to succeed in the second phase meetings of the High-level Revitalization Forum. Meanwhile, it is necessary to fully motivate the Government of South Sudan and enhance communication and coordination with the Government, while respecting the country’s ownership and leadership of the political process.

The Security Council should remain united on South Sudan and speak with one voice. We should provide constructive assistance to South Sudan.

Secondly, it is crucial to further increase humanitarian assistance to South Sudan. The humanitarian situation in South Sudan is dire. China calls on the international community to continue to provide necessary humanitarian assistance and economic support to South Sudan, and we call on the parties in South Sudan to continue to provide humanitarian access.

China supports the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in continuing to fulfill its mandate, and we appreciate the efforts and contributions it has made to maintaining peace and stability in South Sudan. We hope that UNMISS and the Secretariat will continue to communicate with the South Sudanese Government and the UNMISS troop-contributing countries. We hope that the Secretariat will conduct an objective and comprehensive strategic review and assessment of UNMISS and focus its efforts on helping South Sudan to maintain peace and stability, restore development and put forward feasible recommendations on future adjustments of the functions and size of UNMISS.

China has always supported the peace process in South Sudan and been committed to assisting South Sudan to achieve peace and development. China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in achieving lasting peace, stability and sustainable development in South Sudan.