Chinese envoy calls for efforts to achieve ceasefire in Ukraine
As the Ukraine crisis continues with an increasingly intense battlefield situation and mounting civilian suffering, every effort must be made to de-escalate the situation and achieve a ceasefire and an end to the fighting, a Chinese envoy to the United Nations said on Monday.
Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on Ukraine, Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, said the recent intensification of hostilities and escalating military confrontation between the parties would only dim the light of peace.
"This trend is extremely dangerous and must be stopped immediately," he said.
Noting that military confrontation offers no solution but instead deepens divisions, erodes trust, and increases the risk of further uncontrolled escalation, the Chinese envoy called on the relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint, strictly abide by international humanitarian law, and refrain from targeting civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian workers.
"Every effort must be made to de-escalate the situation and achieve a ceasefire and an end to the fighting," Sun said.
China, Sun continued, has taken note of the latest statements from the United States, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine regarding peace negotiations, as well as the differences in positions that remain among them. However, as long as negotiations continue, there is still hope for peace.
"The more complex the situation becomes, the more important it is to maintain confidence and intensify efforts," he said.
He called on all relevant parties to demonstrate political will and flexibility, and to properly address each other’s legitimate security concerns in order to reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement as soon as possible.
Sun also said the crisis has developed to a stage where the underlying contradictions are extremely complex and the interests of all parties are closely intertwined.
He called on all relevant parties to uphold the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security; commit to resolving the root causes of the crisis in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter; and work towards establishing a balanced, effective, and sustainable regional security architecture to ensure lasting peace and stability in Europe.
Emphasising that China’s position on the Ukraine issue remains consistent and clear, Sun stated that China is ready to work with the international community to promote a political settlement of the crisis as soon as possible.