President, 

The Security Council has just adopted Resolution 2808 renewing the mandate of MONUSCO for one year. China voted in favor and recognizes the efforts of the penholder in building consensus among all parties. 

MONUSCO is led by the UN and implements the mandate from the Security Council. China supports MONUSCO in playing its role in promoting the peace process in eastern DRC. However, no country should, out of selfish interests, “customize” MONUSCO according to its own political agenda. The Security Council must uphold the independence, neutrality, and authority of MONUSCO, and adhere to the basic principles governing peacekeeping operations. Only in this way will MONUSCO gain the trust and support of all member states. 

The Resolution requests the Secretary-General to formulate proposals for MONUSCO to support the implementation of the ceasefire. We hope that the Secretary-General will fully take into account the actual situation of the ceasefire on the ground and the capabilities of MONUSCO, and clarify the role and bounds of duties of MONUSCO. Relevant proposals should be effective, feasible, and in line with the spirit of the UN80 Initiative. 

President, 

Recently, situation in eastern DRC has taken a sharp turn for the worse. M23 attacked and occupied Uvira, which China finds seriously concerning. We urge M23 to implement the requirements of Security Council Resolution 2808, immediately withdraw from Uvira and other cities, stop all military operations and further expansion, and refrain from entering provinces including Tanganyika and Maniema, among others. The mediators should effectively fulfill their duties by using their influence on M23 and promoting a prompt ceasefire on the ground. The deployment of MONUSCO should be adjusted in a timely manner in light of the situation on the ground to prevent the spillover of the conflict and maintain peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader region. 

China firmly supports the DRC's efforts to uphold the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and supports the DRC in restoring governance and authority in eastern DRC at an early date. All countries from outside the region should stay truly committed to peace in eastern DRC, and stop taking advantage of the situation and seeking economic resources and other selfish interests. China firmly supports MONUSCO in fulfilling its duties, supports the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region in actively engaging in mediation efforts, and stands ready to work with all parties to make greater contributions to peace and stability in eastern DRC. 

I thank you, President.