President, 

At the outset, I congratulate Panama on soon completing its presidency of the Council for this month, and wish the Republic of Korea all the best as it assumes the presidency next month. 

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing. 

At present, the Ukraine issue is entering a critical stage for a negotiated settlement. China supports all efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis, welcomes a series of recent engagements and talks between Russia and the US, between Ukraine and the US, and between European countries and the US, and is pleased to see the continued engagements among relevant parties towards a solution. At the same time, the fighting on the ground has not let up. The ongoing drone and missile attacks exchanged between Russia and Ukraine have caused new civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, which is truly heart-wrenching. It also shows that the road to peace is long and arduous, which requires more efforts from all parties together. I will make three points. 

First, it is our hope that the parties concerned will show calm and restraint and promote the deescalation on the battlefield as soon as possible. We reiterate our call that under no circumstances should civilians and civilian infrastructure be targeted. Parties to the conflict should strictly abide by the international humanitarian law, and effectively protect the safety and security of civilians and civilian infrastructure. 

Second, it is our hope that the parties concerned will meet each other halfway and keep up the momentum of dialogue and negotiations. Currently, there is still a considerable gap between the positions and propositions of parties on the key issues towards peace, which all the more requires keeping the faith, sustaining engagement, demonstrating political will, and showing flexibility, aimed at a peace agreement at an early date. 

Third, it is our hope that the international community will build consensus and create a favorable environment for a political settlement of the crisis. The international community, especially important stakeholders, should step up diplomatic efforts to put an end to the fighting and promote peace talks, and should send more positive signals for dialogue and negotiations. 

President, 

Since the first day of the war, China has called for a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities and consistently advocated for peace talks towards a political settlement. Guided by the four shoulds put forth by President Xi Jinping, we have maintained engagement with the parties concerned, sent a special envoy for shuttle diplomacy, and initiated the Group of Friends for Peace at the UN to consolidate consensus on peace and promote peace efforts. 

China remains ready to work with the international community and play a constructive role in facilitating a political settlement of the crisis at an early date.

Thank you, President.