Dear Colleagues,

I thank USG Lacroix and Director Kitivi for their detailed briefings, and once again welcome you all to today's meeting.

For nearly 80 years, the UN peacekeeping operations have played a vital role in promoting political processes in host countries, monitoring ceasefire implementation, protecting civilians, and assisting in humanitarian relief, bringing hope of peace and stability to people in conflict areas. At the same time, we cannot ignore the painful fact that more than 4400 peacekeepers from over 130 countries have made their ultimate sacrifice in their lines of duty, including 21 Chinese peacekeepers. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest condolences for the deceased and sincere sympathies to their families. Peacekeeping operations are inherently high-risk, but we should work together to minimize casualties. Peacekeepers can best protect others when their own safety and security are protected.

In recent years, the development and application of emerging technologies such as drones, satellite communications, and artificial intelligence are making a profound impact on the operational environment for peacekeepers. On the one hand, this has brought new threats to peacekeepers and their bases with increased protection difficulties. On the other hand, it has also provided new tools for strengthening the security capabilities and peacekeeping performance. I will make three brief points:

First, we must effectively minimize risks associated with emerging technologies. China welcomes the Secretariat's efforts in building Counter-UAS capabilities. We support the early deployment of high-performance and cost-effective counter-drone systems in missions where needed and where conditions permit. We also support targeted training to enhance peacekeepers' risk awareness and emergency response capabilities. We encourage the Secretariat and the missions to cooperate closely with host governments to prevent, respond to, and investigate drone attacks.

Second, we must advance appropriate applications of emerging technologies. The provision of new-tech equipment will help missions enhance their camp and personnel security, situational awareness, as well as reconnaissance, monitoring and casualty evacuation capabilities. With peacekeeping operations facing growing financial constraints, emerging technologies could fill the gaps created by troop repatriation. This may include using drones to assist human patrols or ceasefire monitoring in remote or high-risk areas, to ensure safer and more effective mandate implementation.

Third, we must promote the responsible use of emerging technologies. We support the deployment field-focused, demand-driven, reliable and cost-effective new technologies, based on consultations with troop- and police- contributing countries and host countries, as affirmed in Security Council Resolution 2518. Moreover, the application of technologies such as AI and big data must take a people-centered approach and adhere to the principle of "AI for good", duly respect the sovereignty of host countries, and fully communicate with countries concerned, in order to build trust and avoid misuse or even abuse.

Colleagues,

China has always been an advocate for, supporter of, and contributor to the safety and security of peacekeepers, and is a stabilizing force for world peace and development. Our military is proud to be a key component of UN peacekeeping operations, and our peacekeepers have played an important role in ensuring the overall safety and security of peacekeeping missions. China also provides financial support for multiple peacekeeping projects through the China-UN Peace and Development Fund. We are ready to work with all parties to make greater contributions to the safety and security of UN peacekeepers.

Thank you.