26 March 2025
President:
I thank Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for her briefing.
The Ukrainian crisis has dragged on until now, and new civilian casualties have continued, which is heartbreaking. Every day the war continues will bring more harm and destruction, more turmoil and instability. Civilians should not be the target of attacks under any circumstances, and their safety should be protected.
At present, the political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis has reached a critical moment, and the window of peace is opening. China welcomes all efforts leading to a ceasefire, which is a necessary step to achieve peace. China welcomes the consensus reached by the United States and Russia on holding dialogues and peace talks, and welcomes the recent negotiations between Russia and the United States, and Ukraine and the United States in Riyadh, which have made positive progress on safe navigation in the Black Sea, a ceasefire in energy infrastructure, and the export of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers. China supports the conclusion of a fair, lasting, binding and acceptable peace agreement with the participation of all parties and stakeholders. The war is taking place on the land of Europe, and it is necessary for Europe to play a role in peace, jointly address the root causes of the crisis, find a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture, and achieve long-term peace and stability on the European continent.
Last September, China, Brazil and other countries in the Global South initiated the establishment of the “Friends of Peace” Group. The Group has always been guided by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and has continuously gathered positive forces to support a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis. Last Thursday, the Group held another ambassadorial meeting and spoke to the media, reiterating its call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and urging all parties and stakeholders to seize the opportunity and engage in constructive peace talks. The Group believes that the common goal must be to find a fair and lasting solution that addresses the concerns of all parties and reach a peace agreement acceptable to all parties. The United Nations can play a role in promoting such diplomatic efforts and implementing any peace agreement. The risks and crises caused by this conflict have already affected many countries, including those in the Global South, and the Group members are concerned about this. The Group believes that issues such as food, energy security, and humanitarian assistance should be an integral part of the peace process. The voices of the Global South in support of regional peace should be heard and taken seriously. As the situation continues to develop rapidly, the Group members will maintain close contact with each other and with all relevant parties. The Group members will strive to deepen understanding of different views, build consensus, and play a constructive role in supporting all peace efforts. The members of the group stand ready to contribute together to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and a better future for all.
President,
China has always maintained an objective and fair position on the Ukrainian issue. We have taken the “four shoulds” proposed by President Xi Jinping as our fundamental guideline, actively engaged with relevant parties, worked for peace and promoted talks. We will continue to work with the international community to make more rational voices to persuade peace and promote talks, create conditions and accumulate momentum for a ceasefire and war, and promote peace talks, and play an active and constructive role in achieving a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.