President,

On October 30, China abstained from the vote on the U.S.-drafted Security Council resolution on renewing the mandate of MINURSO and voted in favor of the Russian draft resolution. China always takes an objective and impartial position on the Western Sahara issue. Let me make four points.

First, MINURSO's contributions should be fully recognized. Since its deployment more than three decades ago, MINURSO has played an important role in maintaining overall stability on the ground, preventing deterioration of the situation, and protecting civilians, thereby creating favorable conditions for advancing a political solution to the Western Sahara issue. China commends the diligent efforts of all MINURSO personnel, including SRSG Ivanko. We note that the relevant parties have indicated their cooperation to ensure the smooth withdrawal of MINURSO. China hopes that all parties will strengthen communication and coordination to ensure that MINURSO can withdraw in a safe, orderly, and dignified manner.

Second, the fundamental interests of the Western Sahara people must be fully safeguarded. The long-standing unresolved issue of Western Sahara has severely affected the well-being of the people and regional peace and stability. The final solution of the Western Sahara issue should be people-centered and should fully take into account its historical context, current realities, and legitimate demands, and effectively safeguard the legitimate rights and development interests of the Western Saharan people. The parties concerned should exercise restraint, cease hostilities, and avoid resorting to the use of force, which would worsen the situation. The international community should continue providing humanitarian assistance to the Western Sahara refugees.

Third, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter must be fully respected. The UN Charter serves as the fundamental guide for resolving international disputes. China supports the relevant parties in upholding the UN as the primary channel for mediation, taking the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as the fundamental guide, and seeking a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution through equal-footed consultation within the framework of relevant UN resolutions and international law, so as to guarantee the right of the Western Sahara people to self-determination under arrangements consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The international community should jointly maintain the UN's impartiality and authority in promoting the resolution of the Western Sahara issue, and should provide support for advancing a political solution.

Fourth, the role of dialogue and negotiation should be fully leveraged. The political process on Western Sahara should be advanced through dialogue and negotiation on equal footing, rather than by imposing solutions or rushing for quick results. The parties concerned should maintain strategic patience, act in good faith, and work to resolve differences, enhance mutual trust, and build consensus. The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General and other mediators should play an impartial and active role in this regard, creating enabling conditions for the parties to engage in dialogue.

President,

China will be guided by four principles proposed by President Xi Jinping on the constructive participation of relevant parties in the resolution of African hotspot issues, namely upholding Africa's leadership, safeguarding equity and justice, ceasing hostilities and building peace, and addressing both symptoms and root causes. Together with all parties, China will contribute to advancing an early and proper resolution of the Western Sahara issue, safeguarding the well-being of the Western Sahara people and maintaining regional peace and stability.

Thank you, President.