President, 

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee and Interim Chairperson George Aggrey Owinow for their briefings. I have also listened carefully to the statement by the civil society representative. I welcome the participation of the Deputy Permanent Representative of South Sudan at today’s meeting.

At present, the peace process, security situation, and economic and humanitarian situation in South Sudan still face some risks and challenges. The international community should increase its support and work together to help the country overcome its difficulties. In light of the Secretary-General’s report, I would like to make the following points. 

First, it is imperative to advance the political transition in an orderly manner. South Sudan is the youngest country in the world, and its political process is not going to be completed overnight. China welcomes President Kiir’s reaffirmation of his pledge not to return the country to war and the recent process made by the Government of South Sudan in preparing for the general elections, and encourages it to keep this positive momentum. We have noted that the signatories to the Revitalized Peace Agreement have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to upholding the Agreement, and call on all political factions to bridge their differences through dialogue, accelerate the implementation of the arrangements under the Agreement, and stay committed to a political settlement as the only path to peace. 

In response to the current difficulties, UNMISS, the AU, and IGAD are actively engaged in mediation. China welcomes the successive visits to South Sudan by the Chairperson of the AU Commission, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, and the AU Peace and Security Council. The international community should maintain the necessary tolerance and patience, support regional mediation efforts, and support solving African issues in the African way. In particular, all parties should respect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of South Sudan, and refrain from illegal and undue interference or pressure. 

Second, maintaining peace and stability in the country is a top priority. The unstable security situation in the Upper Nile state, among others, is concerning. China calls on all parties in South Sudan to exercise calm and restraint, cease hostilities, and avoid any spillover of conflict to civilians and civilian facilities. We encourage the Government of South Sudan, with the support of UNMISS, to continue to take positive steps to reduce inter-communal violence and promote peace and reconciliation. At the same time, it should speed up the deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces and better fulfill its primary responsibility to protect civilians. 

As the conflict in Sudan drags on and continues to spill over, the cross-border movement of armed personnel and illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons are becoming ever more prominent. The international community should support South Sudan in enhancing border control and security capacity building. The AU Peace and Security Council has issued multiple communiques calling for the lifting of the arms embargo on South Sudan. Members in the region have also put forward feasible, phased proposals. This Council should listen in earnest to the strong appeals of the country concerned, and African countries in general, and adjust or lift the unreasonable sanctions at an early date. 

Third, the fundamental solution is to address the economic and livelihood difficulties. At present, South Sudan is suffering from high inflation and a weak economy. Due to the rainy season, floods, epidemics, and food insecurity, among others, continue to worsen, and the number of displaced persons continues to rise, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. In the short term, the UN agencies should strengthen coordination with the Government of South Sudan and improve the forward-looking and targeted nature of their humanitarian operations to ensure that assistance reaches those in need in a timely manner. In the long term, the international community should increase financial and technical support, among others, to help the country achieve economic diversification and sustainable development, so as to address at the root the shortcomings of a single industrial structure and the lack of internal driving force for growth, and to strengthen the foundations of peace through development. 

Since the beginning of this year, China has supported the resumption of oil production and transportation in South Sudan and provided multiple batches of food and supplies to the affected populations in the Eastern Equatorial state and other places, thereby effectively alleviating the humanitarian situation on the ground. China will continue to support South Sudan in improving its economy and people’s livelihood to the best of its ability.

President, 

China welcomes the good mutual trust and cooperation between UNMISS and the Government of South Sudan, and appreciates the great deal of effective work by UNMISS under the leadership of SRSG  Nicholas Haysom despite the difficult situation. As a major troop-contributing country to UNMISS, China will, as always, support the Mission in implementing its mandate. China is ready to continue to work with the international community to play a constructive role in the realization of peace, stability, development, and prosperity in South Sudan at an early date. 

Thank you. President.