President,

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their briefings.

We noted that Russia and Ukraine have in recent times continued to implement the consensus reached in previous negotiations, advancing the exchange of prisoners of war and the remains of fallen soldiers. The two sides also held a third round of direct talks a few days ago, in which they reached the new consensus on humanitarian issues including the further exchange of prisoners of war. China welcomes these positive developments and calls on the parties to maintain the momentum of dialogue, continue to build consensus, and enhance mutual trust, with a view to reaching a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement.

We also noted that Russia and Ukraine have recently conducted large-scale drone and missile strikes against each other, resulting in heavy civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. China is deeply concerned and saddened by this and once again urges the parties to exercise maximum restraint, effectively abide by international humanitarian law, and refrain from attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure under any circumstances. It is imperative that the two sides make joint efforts to de-escalate the situation on the battlefield at an early date.

We have further noted that Russia and Ukraine have recently delivered statements to each other on restoring peace in Europe and achieving a political solution to the crisis. The major parties of the international community have also repeatedly sent positive signals on dialogue, negotiations, and ceasefire efforts, while continuing to engage in diplomatic efforts to promote peace. China welcomes all efforts conducive to peace, encourages Russia and Ukraine to demonstrate political will and flexibility, and calls on the international community to call for peace, consolidate consensus on peace, and take concrete steps for peace. All parties should make joint efforts toward a political solution to the crisis.

President,

China always maintains an objective and impartial stance on the Ukraine issue, advocating for peace talks and promoting a political settlement. We have actively engaged in diplomatic mediation in accordance with the Four Shoulds proposed by President Xi Jinping, while maintaining effective communication with both Russia and Ukraine. China, together with Brazil and other countries of the Global South, initiated the Group of Friends for Peace in order to build greater synergy for a ceasefire and realization of peace. China will, as always, play a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis.

President,

I would like to respond to the remarks made by the U.S. representative. As we have pointed out many times in the Council, China did not start the Ukraine crisis, nor is China a party to it. China has never provided lethal weapons to any side in the conflict and has always strictly controlled the export of dual-use items, including drones. We urge the U.S. to stop shifting blame or creating divisions on the Ukraine issue and instead make real efforts toward a ceasefire and peace talks.

President,

I would like to take this opportunity to add a few more points. This past Tuesday when the Council held an open debate on the peaceful settlement of disputes, the U.S. representative took advantage of the meeting to attack and accuse China on the South China Sea issue. This past Thursday when the Council held a briefing on the cooperation between the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the U.S. representative once again started its provocation by smearing China on Xinjiang-related issues. Today, during this briefing on Ukraine, the U.S. representative again took the floor to spread false information and lies about China. Within a single week, the U.S. has launched groundless accusations against China in the Council multiple times. This only proves that what the U.S. truly cares about is not to maintain international peace and security or promote political solutions to conflicts, but rather to exploit this platform to attack other countries, engage in political manipulation, and serve its own agenda. As a permanent member of the Security Council, the U.S. should be ashamed and disgraceful of its words and deeds. We urge the U.S. to change course at an early date and engage constructively in the Council’s work.

Thank you, President.

Second Round of Remarks on Ukraine by Ambassador Geng Shuang

 at the UN Security Council Briefing 

President,

I will be very brief. China’s position on Ukraine has been stated repeatedly and can be summarized in one sentence: we call for ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, and we work actively to promote peace talks. The international community has witnessed China’s efforts. To the U.S., I would say that in the face of escalating conflicts and complex international challenges, what the world needs is unity and cooperation instead of division and confrontation.

Thank you.