During a UN Security Council briefing on Ukraine, Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, emphasized China’s urging for all parties involved in the conflict to act with rationality and restraint. Geng emphasized the need to adhere to international humanitarian law and avoid targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. He highlighted the significant toll the conflict has taken on innocent civilians, including casualties and the destruction of infrastructure, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis with wide-ranging consequences.
He said that instead of stopping, the fighting has recently intensified with occasional vicious attacks resulting in significant casualties. China is deeply concerned about this and urges the parties involved to exercise rationality and restraint, abide by international humanitarian law, and avoid targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Geng emphasized that conflict and confrontation yield no winners, and military action cannot bring lasting peace. He stressed the importance of an early ceasefire and a political resolution, highlighting the need to cool down the situation by adhering to three principles: no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting, and no instigation by any party.
China has consistently emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, as well as upholding the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, regarding the Ukraine issue. It also believes in addressing the legitimate security concerns of all parties involved and supporting any efforts that contribute to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
“We urge the conflicting parties to demonstrate political will, seek common ground, and initiate peace talks as soon as possible,” said Geng. He further called upon the international community to adopt an objective and impartial stance, creating favorable conditions to end the conflict swiftly and actively participating in the process.
China will continue to proactively promote peace talks using its own methods and exert relentless efforts to play a constructive role in facilitating a political settlement of the Ukraine issue.