President,

I thank Director Kayoko Gotoh and Acting Assistant Secretary-General Indrika Ratwatte for their briefings.

Developments regarding the Ukraine issue are deeply concerning. Recently, multiple attacks have occurred, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides and extensive damage to infrastructure. The conflict continues to intensify, and the suffering of civilians is worsening. This is something no party wishes to see. This trend is extremely dangerous and must be reversed as soon as possible. I would like to make three points.

First, the immediate priority is to achieve a ceasefire and end the fighting. Recent developments have once again demonstrated that there are no winners in conflict and confrontation. Escalating hostilities will only bring greater suffering to civilians. An early ceasefire and an end to the fighting serve the fundamental and long-term interests of the parties concerned and meet the shared expectations of the international community. China urges an immediate end to all attacks against civilians, calls on the parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint, strictly observe international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and make every effort to de-escalate the situation so as to preserve the prospects for an early peace.

Second, the fundamental solution lies in adhering to dialogue and negotiation. At present, the major parties hold widely divergent positions, and the path to negotiations remains difficult. But history has shown that conflicts can only be resolved through negotiations. As long as talks can begin and continue, there remains hope for peace. China calls on the relevant parties to maintain engagement, demonstrate political will, build mutual trust through dialogue, build consensus through negotiations, and strive to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement.

Third, the long-term approach is to pursue common security. Russia, Ukraine and European countries are neighbors that cannot move away from one another. Achieving harmonious coexistence and pursuing common security is the only realistic choice. China calls on all relevant parties to abandon Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, uphold a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, properly address each other's legitimate security concerns, eliminate the root causes of the crisis on the basis of full compliance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, promote the building of a balanced, effective and sustainable regional security architecture, and achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

President,

China's position on the Ukraine issue has remained consistent. It has always been guided by the Four Shoulds proposed by President Xi Jinping. We believe that 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 the peaceful settlement of the crisis should be supported. China firmly supports a ceasefire and an end to the fighting. We maintain close communication with Russia, Ukraine and other relevant parties, have actively conducted shuttle diplomacy, and have made extensive efforts in our own way to promote peace talks. China stands ready to work with the international community and continue to play a constructive role in advancing a political settlement of the crisis.

Thank you.