President,

The Ukraine issue remains unresolved. Since the General Assembly last considered the Ukraine issue, the situation on the ground has not eased but instead intensified, with frequent attacks and civilian casualties. The hostilities have also had serious negative impacts on third countries, which is deeply concerning and distressing. China calls on the parties concerned and the international community to work together to promote an early ceasefire and an end to the fighting, and advance a political settlement of the crisis.

First, China urges an end to all attacks against civilians and calls on the parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint, strictly abide by international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, avoid harming third-party civilians and civilian assets, and work to preserve the prospects for an early realization of peace.

Second, dialogue and negotiations are the only way to resolve the issue. The relevant parties should not give up their efforts simply because negotiations are difficult, nor should they refuse engagement simply because differences exist. Instead, they should remain patient, demonstrate goodwill, strive to get talks started, gradually build mutual trust and consensus, and work together toward a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement.

Third, no matter how difficult the situation may be, Russia and Ukraine have continued to move forward with exchanges of prisoners of war and the remains of deceased soldiers. This is commendable. Each humanitarian effort helps build greater trust between the two sides and may bring dialogue and negotiations one step forward.

Fourth, countries in the region and the international community should make more rational calls for a ceasefire and an end to the fighting and for promoting peace and talks, and undertake more diplomatic efforts to build trust and engage in mediation and good offices. Adding fuel to the fire and exploiting the situation to foment division and confrontation will only intensify tensions and differences and make the path toward a political settlement even more difficult.

Fifth, as the Chinese saying goes, "Three feet of ice does not form in a single day." The crisis has come to where it is today for deep-rooted and complex reasons. The relevant parties should both look back at history and take seriously the root causes of the crisis, and look to the future and work to properly address each other's legitimate security concerns, with a view to building a balanced, effective, and sustainable regional security architecture.

Sixth, the continued spillover of the crisis has given rise to derivative issues involving shipping security, energy security, food security, and the security of cross-border infrastructure. The international community should stand united and jointly safeguard the stability and smooth functioning of global production and supply chains.

President,

China's position on the Ukraine issue has been consistent and clear. President Xi Jinping solemnly stated 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 a peaceful settlement of the crisis should be supported. These Four Shoulds serve as China's authoritative position and fundamental guidance on the Ukraine issue. China maintains close communication with the parties concerned and the international community, makes its own efforts to promote peace and facilitate talks, and has played its due role in building consensus among all parties and advancing a political settlement of the crisis. China stands ready to work with the international community and continue making efforts toward an early ceasefire and an end to the fighting and toward lasting peace and stability in the region.

Thank you, President.