Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Counselor Teng Fei, spoke at the Russia delegation's Arria model meeting on the Ukraine issue on October 14, calling for efforts to minimize the negative impact of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict on civilians.
Below is the full text of Ambassador Teng Fei's speech at the Ariana model meeting on Ukraine held in Russia:
President
The prolongation and escalation of the Ukraine crisis do not benefit any party. Dialogue and negotiation are the only feasible way to resolve the crisis. The Chinese side calls for giving priority to humanitarian issues and making every effort to reduce the negative impact of the conflict on civilians. Considering the recent situation and the briefing just given, I would like to discuss three points:
First, the ground battles are intensifying, resulting in a large number of civilian casualties. Many energy, electricity, food, and logistics facilities have been damaged, which is deeply distressing and worrying. We call on both parties involved to exercise restraint, strictly comply with international humanitarian law, and avoid attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure, in order to pursue hope for early peace.
Secondly, through the recent announcement and the public meeting of the Security Council held not long ago, we learned that some frontline towns have experienced blockades, and basic conditions such as water, electricity, heating, and internet services are not being provided. Life is extremely difficult for the people in these towns. The movement of residents and their access to basic services has been restricted, and the humanitarian situation is concerning. We urge the parties involved to prioritize the welfare of the people and not to impose “logistic blockades” for military purposes, in order to ensure that the people in frontline areas have access to necessary supplies, medical assistance, and basic public services.
Third, the Third Geneva Convention stipulates that prisoners of war are entitled to humane treatment and should not suffer from torture or abuse. China previously issued a document titled “China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukrainian Crisis,” which calls for the protection of civilians and prisoners of war, as well as the respect for the basic rights of prisoners of war. We call on all parties to strictly abide by relevant international laws and ensure the living conditions, medical care, and spiritual dignity of prisoners of war and detained persons.
Chairperson,
China always adheres to the 'four shoulds' proposed by President Xi Jinping as its fundamental principle. It calls for a ceasefire and an end to fighting, insists on promoting reconciliation through negotiations, and supports political solutions. We support any efforts that contribute to peace. We encourage all parties to take steps towards this goal, properly address each other's security concerns, eliminate the root causes of the crisis, and strive to reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement at an early date. China is willing to work together with the international community to play a constructive role in promoting a political resolution to the crisis.
Thank you.
