Remarks by H.E. Amb. LI Song at the Plenary of the Conference on Disarmament on 3rd March 2022
2022-03-03 23:03

Madam President,

During the High-Level Segment of the Conference this week, dignitaries actively expressed their views on international security situation and the multilateral arms control and disarmament efforts. Many countries have already fully elaborated on their position on issues including the situation in Ukraine.

Madam President,

The situation in Ukraine is changing sharply. China is paying close attention to the developments. The situation has evolved to a point which is not in the interest of any party. China always forms its own position according to the merits of the matter at hand.  China’s basic position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and unequivocal. We always believe that all countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected, and that international disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The immediate priority is to prevent further worsening of the situation, while stepping up diplomatic efforts aiming for a political solution. Russia and Ukraine have already held their first round of negotiations, in which both sides have shown their willingness to continue the negotiations. China welcomes this. Faced with the highly complex and sensitive situation, China does not support any approach that may exacerbate tensions, and calls on the international community to stick to the overall direction of political settlement and to foster an enabling atmosphere and conditions for direct dialogues and negotiations between the parties concerned.

The issue of Ukraine is not something that only emerged today; nor did the current situation occur suddenly overnight. It is a result of the interplay of various factors over a long period of time. Ukraine should become a bridge between the East and the West, not an frontline for confrontation between major powers. The Cold War has been long over, and a new Cold War will be unpopular. Blindly exerting pressure and imposing sanctions and creating division and confrontation will only further complicate the situation, and result in a rapid negative spillover of the crisis, and affect even more countries. The final settlement of the Ukraine crisis requires abandoning the Cold War mentality, abandoning the logic of ensuring one’s own security at the expense of others’ security, and abandoning the approach of seeking regional security by expanding military blocs. It is important to give full attention and respect to the legitimate security concerns of all countries, and on that basis to conduct negotiations to put in place a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism, with the aim to achieving lasting peace and stability for the European continent. China advocates common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. We call on the international community to take a responsible attitude, and promote the relevant parties to immediately return to the track of political settlement, and use dialogue and consultation to seek a comprehensive solution to the Ukraine issue. China is ready to continue its constructive role in this regard.

Madam President,

The Conference on Disarmament is not the venue to deal specifically with the Ukrainian issue. Meanwhile, the work of the Conference is also closely related to the international landscape outside this chamber. The aim of our discussions on international political and security situations is to develop an in-depth understanding of the role of the Conference in connection with international security reality, so as to promote earnest commitment to respect, understanding and trust among Member States, and to take a more pragmatic attitude to carry out substantive work on all agenda items. This is indeed the right path to revitalize and reinvigorate the Conference. On the basis of the consensually adopted decision on the work of the Conference this year, China is ready to work with all parties to prepare for the work of the five Subsidiary Bodies, and through our practical and unremitting efforts, to contribute our share to the maintenance of international peace, security and stability, as well as the promotion of the multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation process.

I thank you, Madam President.