China calls for de-escalating Ukraine conflict

China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Sun Lei, urged all sides involved in the Ukraine conflict to reduce tensions, warning that the situation has become increasingly alarming.

Addressing the UN Security Council on Thursday, Sun noted that military operations have intensified in frequency, scale, and severity, leading to heavy civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure.

He emphasized that China strongly condemns attacks targeting civilians and civilian facilities and called on all parties to immediately halt such actions.

Sun stressed the importance of restraint, saying that the ongoing cycle of military escalation and retaliation has deepened civilian suffering, fueled hostility, and made prospects for peace negotiations more difficult. He urged the parties to remain calm, comply with international humanitarian law, and take meaningful steps to ease tensions, creating conditions for a ceasefire and an eventual end to the fighting.

He also encouraged both sides to demonstrate political commitment by returning to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible, with the aim of achieving a comprehensive, durable, and legally binding peace agreement.

Recognizing that each side has legitimate security concerns, Sun said lasting peace requires addressing those concerns through mutual understanding and in line with the principles of the UN Charter. He called for efforts to tackle the underlying causes of the conflict and to establish a balanced, effective, and sustainable regional security framework that can support long-term peace and stability.

Reaffirming China's position, Sun said the country remains committed to resolving the crisis through political means and has consistently maintained an objective and impartial approach. He highlighted China's ongoing communication with all relevant parties and its continued efforts to encourage peace negotiations.

Sun concluded by stating that China is prepared to work alongside the international community and continue playing a constructive role in supporting an early political resolution to the Ukraine crisis.