President,

I would like to thank Greece and Pakistan for their joint initiative in convening this meeting, and I have also listened carefully to the briefing by Ms. Yvonne Ching Ling Lee.

Two years ago, the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2744, making important adjustments to the mandate of the Focal Point for Delisting. It required the Focal Point to provide more comprehensive and detailed information for the consideration of delisting requests by the relevant Sanctions Committees, thereby enhancing the transparency and fairness of the Security Council sanctions regime. China welcomes the recent appointment of Ms. Yvonne Ching Ling Lee as the Focal Point for Delisting and stands ready to work with all parties to support the Focal Point mechanism in fulfilling its due role. I would like to emphasize the following points:

First, the Focal Point should perform duties objectively and impartially. Although the Focal Point does not make recommendations on whether to approve delisting requests, the Focal Point's reports and observations serve as an important reference for the Committee's decision-making. We hope that, in line with Resolution 2744, the Focal Point will engage in broad and in-depth consultations with petitioners, relevant states, panels of experts of sanctions committees, as well as UN Special Envoys and Special Representatives, to fully and objectively reflect the views of all sides and provide responsible opinions based on factual evidence.

Second, the Security Council should support the Focal Point in playing its role. Security Council members should take the lead by actively providing necessary information to the Focal Point while respecting her professionalism and independence. As appropriate, the Focal Point and relevant parties should reach understandings regarding confidentiality measures for relevant information to avoid unnecessary disputes. Security Council members should carefully consider the Focal Point's reports and views, supporting the relevant committees in making fair and responsible decisions regarding delisting requests.

Third, the international community should make good use of the sanctions regime. The Security Council should, through practical means, promote better awareness among the international community regarding its sanctions system, ensuring both the standardized implementation of sanctions measures and the proper application of delisting and exemption arrangements. While handling delisting requests, the Focal Point should also, in accordance with relevant resolutions, fulfill duties such as assisting in updating narrative summaries for listed individuals and entities, forwarding complaints of mistaken listing, and receiving exemption requests related to the 1267 and 1988 sanctions regimes.

Fourth, the Security Council sanctions system must be continuously improved. Sanctions are a special tool entrusted to the Security Council by the UN Charter, aimed at creating favorable conditions for political settlement. However, during implementation, they may also have negative impacts on the economies and livelihoods of targeted countries. Some sanctions mechanisms lack clear and feasible exit arrangements, becoming long-term shackles for the countries concerned. China expects the Security Council to utilize platforms such as the Informal Working Group on General UN Security Council Sanctions Issues  to strengthen discussions, build consensus, and advance the continuous improvement of the sanctions system, better serving the goal of maintaining international peace and security.

Thank you, President.