President, 

I welcome the Permanent Representative of Sudan at today's meeting. 

China voted in favor of the draft resolution that has just been adopted.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to mounting civilian casualties and an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis. The Council's decision to extend the sanctions on Darfur, Sudan will contribute to stemming arms flow into the war zone, preventing the intensification of the conflict, and reducing harms to civilians. We hope that member states will earnestly comply with the provisions of this resolution and effectively implement the relevant measures. 

China and many other Council members have consistently and responsibly called for addressing the misalignment of the mandates of the Sudan sanctions regime and the panel of experts. China commends this resolution for resolving this issue. 

China has repeatedly underscored that sanctions are a means, rather than an end, and should not be abused as a political tool for interference and pressure. The priority now is to achieve a ceasefire and end the fighting as soon as possible, mitigate the humanitarian plight, and steadily advance the political process. The international community should earnestly safeguard Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, support the mediation efforts led by the UN and the AU, and help Sudan restore peace and stability at an early date. 

Thank you, President.