According to the website of the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong spoke at a high-level public debate on armed conflict and food security issues at the Security Council.
Fu Cong emphasized that a country is based on its people, and food is considered the most important thing for people. Food security is related to the survival of human society and the stability of nations. With the advancement of technology and the increase in the input of production factors, the capacity to produce food has greatly improved. However, due to factors such as wars and conflicts, food security issues remain severe. Globally, 318 million people face serious hunger, especially in conflict-torn regions like Africa and the Middle East. The international community should implement Security Council Resolution 2417 comprehensively and holistically to jointly maintain global food security and ensure that people are not forced to suffer from hunger. I will talk about four points.
Fu Cong called for the promotion of a ceasefire to ensure a safe environment for food production. The ravages caused by war have led to displaced populations and damaged farmland, thereby destroying food production. This is a major cause of humanitarian crises and hunger. The Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. It should prioritize the resolution of conflicts politically, actively mediate, and encourage parties to resolve their differences through dialogue. A lasting ceasefire should be established as soon as possible to create conditions for the restoration of agricultural production. International humanitarian law must be adhered to as a fundamental principle; hunger should never be used as a tool in war. All parties involved must always prioritize life, protect agricultural infrastructure, avoid disrupting agricultural activities, and ensure that humanitarian assistance such as food supplies isunimpeded.
Fu Cong believes that it is necessary to remove obstacles to trade and maintain the stability and smooth flow of the grain supply chain. Under the conditions of economic globalization, the production and supply of grains are closely related to the international situation, especially to the global logistics system. In the face of intensified geopolitical conflicts and regional tensions, the international community must ensure the safe passage of land and sea trade routes and guarantee the normal circulation of essential goods such as grain and fertilizers. China welcomes the United Nations' initiative to establish a temporary mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz and supports the United Nations in playing a greater role. At the same time, all parties should continue to adopt open and transparent market policies, deepen international cooperation in food supply, achieve rational allocation on a global scale, avoid setting up trade barriers that interfere with the order of grain trade, and prevent the politicization and instrumentalization of food issues. Arbitrary unilateral sanctions will only exacerbate the situation of food insecurity.
Fu Cong said that it is necessary to promote common development and help countries enhance their resilience in food production. Insufficient development capabilities have led some countries to face food shortages, and catastrophic weather conditions such as floods and droughts have made the situation even worse. Countries should prioritize the security of food production and distribution as a strategic goal. The international community should adopt a long-term perspective and support developing countries in improving infrastructure such as farmland and water systems, acquiring advanced agricultural technologies, and enhancing their ability to produce food independently, shifting from 'blood transfusion' to 'hematopoiesis'. Developed countries have a special responsibility in providing development aid and climate financing. They should take practical actions to help relevant countries withstand the impact of natural disasters, bridge the gap in development, and eliminate the conditions that lead to conflicts and food insecurity.
Fu Cong stated that multilateralism should be upheld, and the global governance system for food security should be improved. All parties must firmly support the United Nations in playing a central role, and support institutions such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the World Food Programme to carry out their respective functions and strengthen coordination. It is necessary to effectively increase the representation and voice of emerging market countries and developing nations in international organizations related to food. We must adhere to the principles of joint consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits, and promote the establishment of a more fair, reasonable, and effective global governance system for food security. This will help safeguard the common interests of all countries.
Fu Cong said that as the world's largest grain producer, China has been able to feed over 1.4 billion people with less than 9% of the world's arable land. More than one out of every five pounds of grain worldwide comes from China. By working hard to achieve basic self-sufficiency in grains and absolute security in food supplies, China has made great achievements in its development. This is also a significant contribution to maintaining global food security.
China has always been committed to strengthening international cooperation, helping to improve global food security and contributing to the world's poverty reduction efforts. President Xi Jinping has proposed global development and governance initiatives, providing conceptual guidance for deepening global food security cooperation and transforming the global food security governance system. China is the developing country that has provided the most financial assistance, sent the most experts, and carried out the most projects under the framework of South-South cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. China conducts agricultural cooperation with more than 140 countries and regions, promotes over 1,000 agricultural technologies to developing countries, and trains more than 14,000 professionals in hybrid rice technology. In practical actions, China helps to address global food shortages. China is willing to continue adhering to the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and work hand in hand with all parties to make greater contributions to completely eliminating global hunger and maintaining world peace, security, development, and prosperity.
