Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
Published: February 19,2025
The UN Security Council holds a meeting on the Ukraine crisis, New York, U.S., February 18, 2025. /CMG
China welcomes all efforts dedicated to peace in Ukraine, including the recent agreement reached by the United States and Russia to start peace talks, Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said on Monday.
In remarks at the UN Security Council briefing on Ukraine, Fu reaffirmed China’s commitment to resolving global disputes and conflicts through dialogue and consultation in line with the UN Charter.
He recalled the Minsk Agreements reached 10 years ago, noting that they were endorsed by the UN Security Council and represented “the right direction” for resolving differences and disputes. However, he expressed regret over their failure to be fully implemented, stating that the agreements were intended to deescalate the situation but failed to do so, ultimately leading to the full escalation of the crisis and the large-scale conflict that continues today.
“The failure of the Minsk Agreements is deplorable, and its historical lessons warrant deep reflection,” Fu said.
He emphasized that from the day the crisis broke out, China has advocated for a political solution through dialogue and consultation. He pointed out that China’s four-point proposal – that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter observed, the legitimate security concerns of all countries given due regard, and all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis supported – is China’s fundamental guidance on the Ukraine issue.
China has been actively engaged in diplomatic mediation and maintains contact with relevant parties, including Russia and Ukraine, has had in-depth participation in the consideration of the Ukraine issue under the framework of the United Nations and its Security Council, and plays a constructive role in promoting ceasefire and political settlement, Fu said.
China has also partnered with Brazil and other countries in creating the Group of Friends for Peace to garner the collective wisdom of the countries of the Global South and form an important force for peace, said the ambassador. “The evolving situation has proven that China’s proposal is objective, fair, rational and pragmatic, reflecting the broad consensus of the international community.”
Fu pointed out that the Ukraine issue is about to reach a critical moment for a negotiated settlement, and “the ultimate resolution of any conflict lies at the negotiation table, and history will undoubtedly deliver a just outcome.”
He expressed hope that all relevant parties and stakeholders involved in the Ukraine crisis will engage in the peace talks process, and reach a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties.
“As the conflict has been unfolding on European soil, it is imperative for Europe to work for peace,” Fu said.
“We hope the parties will jointly address the root causes of the crisis through negotiation and find a balanced, effective, and sustainable security framework for lasting stability in the region,” he said.
