President,

I thank Special Representative Anita Kiki Gbeho and High Representative Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete for their briefings. I also listened attentively to the statement by the representative of the civil society organization. I welcome the representatives of South Sudan and South Africa to today's meeting.

With the date for the general elections set by the South Sudanese Government just over a month away, the political process in South Sudan has entered a crucial phase. The international community should step up support for the cause of peace and development in South Sudan, and provide assistance in the following four aspects.

First, we should support the smooth holding of the general elections. The general elections have been the long-standing aspiration of the South Sudanese people since independence 15 years ago. China calls on all political parties and ethnic communities in South Sudan to put the country's major political affairs and the fundamental interests of the people first, immediately cease hostilities, de-escalate tensions, finalize the relevant arrangements for the elections through inclusive and friendly consultations among political parties, and do their utmost to prevent the elections from causing conflict and turmoil. We welcome the commitment by relevant countries to provide logistical and technical support to South Sudan's general elections. The international community should jointly extend a helping hand to South Sudan to respond to difficulties and challenges such as inadequate electoral resources, support the electoral institutions in fulfilling their duties, and ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the elections.

Second, we should promote an inclusive political process. Elections are not the end of the peace process. The parties should abide by and continue implementing the Revitalized Agreement, so as to constantly enhance the international community's confidence in the peace process. We welcome the holding of the special summit of the African Union (AU) High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan. We support High Representative Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete in leading regional mediation efforts, and encourage the UN to strengthen coordination with the AU and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) through the “trilateral mechanism,” to help the parties build political consensus more effectively. The international community should respect the sovereignty of South Sudan and the independent choices of the South Sudanese people, demonstrate the necessary patience and confidence, and provide more constructive support.

Third, we should alleviate the economic and humanitarian crises. South Sudan is facing multiple challenges, including droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks. Yet the country remains willing to host large numbers of Sudanese refugees, and many humanitarian agencies are providing support despite various difficulties. China appreciates this. Attacks on humanitarian workers are unacceptable. All parties to the conflict must comply with international humanitarian law and ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access. The international community should step up support for South Sudan to improve the humanitarian situation and better guarantee food and other basic supplies, while also helping the country improve infrastructure, enhance public services such as employment, education, and health care, and strengthen economic resilience and capacity for sustainable development, so as to break the cycle of poverty and conflict at its root.

Fourth, we should ensure that the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) can fulfill its mandate. China strongly condemns the attacks on UNMISS peacekeepers and supports speeding up investigations and holding perpetrators accountable. As a major troop-contributing country to UNMISS, China has always supported the work of Special Representative Anita Kiki Gbeho and encouraged the Government of South Sudan to engage in friendly consultations with UNMISS based on mutual respect and understanding, and to continue facilitating the Mission's deployment and operations, so as to jointly promote stability in South Sudan. According to the Secretary-General's report on the Military and Police Capability Study, UNMISS is facing challenges such as personnel shortages and mobility constraints. The Security Council should guarantee the necessary resources and capabilities for the Mission's continued fulfillment of its mandate. China supports UNMISS in carrying out capacity building in social innovation and sustainable development, and in strengthening capabilities in early warning, conflict management, and other areas in locations where its troops are being drawn down, and supports UNMISS in fulfilling its mandate through concrete actions.

President,

As a good friend of South Sudan, China firmly supports the country in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, supports the South Sudanese people in exploring a development path suited to their national conditions, and supports the South Sudanese parties in engaging in close dialogue and consultation, stepping up unity and cooperation, and advancing the political transition in an orderly manner, so as to achieve lasting peace, development, and prosperity in the country at an early date and make greater contributions to safeguarding regional peace and stability.

Thank you, President.