On October 29, 2024, Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland, H.E.Ambassador Chen Xu attended the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, outlining China’s position on humanitarian issues.

Ambassador Chen highlighted the unprecedented severity of the current global humanitarian situation, stressing that all parties should uphold genuine multilateralism, foster a sense of shared destiny, and jointly advance the cause of global peace and progress for humanity. Addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he emphasized that achieving an immediate and lasting ceasefire is crucial to alleviating humanitarian suffering, urging major powers with influence over the parties involved to play a constructive role. Chen called on all nations to translate their political commitments under the Geneva Conventions into concrete actions, ensuring the universal and consistent application of international humanitarian law. He underscored that civilians and civilian infrastructure must not be targets in military operations, and that safe, unimpeded humanitarian access should be ensured in conflict areas to protect humanitarian organizations and their staff. He further emphasized the need to address both the root causes and symptoms of humanitarian crises by promoting inclusive and coordinated global development, countering unilateralism and protectionism, and effectively narrowing the development gap. Developed countries, he urged, should take on greater responsibilities in providing support and assistance to developing countries.

Ambassador Chen reaffirmed China’s longstanding commitment to upholding and implementing international humanitarian law, its active involvement in global humanitarian aid, and its consistent role as an advocate, participant, and contributor to international humanitarian efforts. As China advances toward modernization, strengthening the country and achieving national rejuvenation, it stands ready to work with the international community to firmly support the development of the International Red Cross Movement, tackle global humanitarian challenges, and contribute to a better world and the progress of international humanitarian endeavors.