Chair,

A prolonged and expanding Ukraine crisis serves the interests of no party. Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out of the crisis. China calls for giving priority to humanitarian issues and making every effort to minimize the negative impact of the conflict on civilians. In light of recent developments and the briefings we have just heard, I would like to make three points.

First, fighting on the ground is intensifying, causing heavy civilian casualties and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, including energy, power, food, logistics and storage facilities. This is deeply distressing and concerning. We call on both parties to exercise restraint, strictly abide by international humanitarian law, avoid attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and preserve the prospects for peace at an early date.

Second, from the briefings we have just heard and the recent open meeting of the Security Council, we have learned that some frontline towns have been under blockade, where basic living conditions, including water, electricity, heating and internet access, cannot be ensured, causing extreme hardship. In some frontline towns, residents' freedom of movement and access to basic services have been restricted. The humanitarian situation is deeply concerning. We urge the parties concerned to put people's livelihoods first, refrain from imposing “logistical blockades” for military purposes, and ensure essential supplies, medical assistance and basic public services for people living on the front lines.

Third, the Third Geneva Convention provides that prisoners of war are entitled to humane treatment and must be protected against torture, ill-treatment and other forms of harm. China previously issued China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, calling for the protection of civilians and prisoners of war (POWs) and respect for the basic rights of POWs. We call on the parties concerned to strictly comply with relevant international law and ensure adequate living conditions, medical care and respect for the human dignity of POWs and persons detained.

Chair,

China has always been guided by the Four Shoulds put forward by President Xi Jinping, calling for a ceasefire and an end to hostilities, promoting peace and facilitating talks, and advancing a political settlement. We support all efforts conducive to peace and encourage the parties concerned to move toward each other, properly address each other's security concerns, eliminate the root causes of the crisis, and strive to reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement at an early date. China stands ready to work with the international community and continue to play a constructive role in advancing the political settlement of the crisis.

Thank you, Chair.