President,

I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. 

Four years into the Ukraine crisis, the situation has come to a critical juncture. Recently, key stakeholders have conducted multiple rounds of engagements with a deepening negotiation process, calls for peace have grown stronger, and the prospect for a political solution is now on the horizon. On the other hand, we have witnessed continued hostilities, rising civilian casualties, and a deeply worrying humanitarian situation. The more critical the moment, the more imperative it is to strengthen confidence and intensify efforts. China proposes the following. 

First, firmly promoting a political settlement. History has repeatedly shown that military means cannot deliver lasting peace, and that any conflict must ultimately be resolved through negotiations. The Ukraine crisis is no exception. At present, although differences persist among the positions of the main parties, all acknowledge the overarching direction of a political settlement and the aspiration to reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement. This is a valuable consensus and an objective we should all strive for. We call on the parties concerned to seize the positive momentum, demonstrate political will, continue to build consensus, and work towards a political settlement for lasting peace. 

Second, firmly safeguarding collective security. This crisis shows that security is mutual, one country’s security cannot be built on the insecurity of others, and regional security cannot be ensured by strengthening or even expanding military blocs. For Russia, Ukraine, and all European countries, who are inseparable neighbors, living in harmony is the only realistic option. We call on the relevant parties to discard the Cold-War mentality and bloc confrontation, to exercise the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, to respect and address each other's legitimate security concerns, and to work towards building a balanced, effective, and sustainable regional security architecture. 

Third, firmly managing and controlling the spillover effect. The ongoing spillover of the crisis has further weighed on the global economy that is already under considerable strain. We call on the international community to work together on issues such as food, energy, finance, trade, and the protection of critical infrastructure to ensure a stable and unimpeded global supply chain. We oppose the politicization and instrumentalization of the global economy and the abuse of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction, as such actions are counterproductive and may even create new problems. 

President, 

China maintains a consistent position on the Ukraine issue, guided by the four shoulds put forward by President Xi Jinping, namely, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be observed, the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously, and all efforts conducive to a peaceful resolution of the crisis should be supported, all of which hold significant practical relevance in the current complex international landscape. 

Over the past four years, with an objective and impartial stance, China has worked tirelessly for peace and promoted dialogue and negotiations. We have maintained close communication with Russia, Ukraine, and other relevant parties. We have sent a special envoy to conduct shuttle diplomacy, and together with Brazil and other Global South countries, launched the Group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis, in a continued effort to garner consensus and advance peace efforts. China stands ready to work with the international community to play a constructive role in achieving an early political settlement of the crisis. 

President, 

The statement just made by the US representative once again smeared and vilified China, which is completely unacceptable. China is not the creator of the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to the conflict. China's position on Ukraine has been open and consistent from the start, namely, calling for a ceasefire and an end to the fighting and promoting peace talks. The international community can see clearly China’s efforts. We have not provided lethal weapons to any party to the conflict, and we have consistently exercised strict controls over dual-use items. 

As a major economy of manufacturing, trading, and consumption, China maintains normal economic and trade relations with Russia, Ukraine, European countries and the United States. These exchanges follow market and commercial principles, do not violate Security Council resolutions, and are beyond reproach. China will, based on its own national interests, adopt reasonable energy security measures. 

I also want to stress that for some time, the US has fabricated all sorts of excuses and lies in various settings, and has continued to attack and smear China. This is explicit political manipulation. Its purpose is to incite bloc confrontation and to create division and conflict. We once again urge the US to stop deflecting attention, stop shifting blame, and stop creating conflicts and wars around the world. 

Thank you, President.