On March 20, 2025, 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 spoke at the “From Respect to Reconciliation: International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Action for Lasting Peace” High-Level Panel Discussion hosted by International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), outlining China’s approach to resolving international and regional hotspot issues.
Chen Xu said that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, with hotspot conflicts, major-power rivalries and rising geopolitical tensions. The core principles of IHL are increasingly under threat, raising concerns about the future of our planet. IHL is not only a norm for the protection of civilians in wartime, but also an important legal pillar for the maintenance of international order and the elimination of the root causes of conflict. The international community must safeguard the fundamental principles of IHL to guarantee civilians’ basic right to survival, ensure the universal and uniform application of IHL without double standards, and strengthen international cooperation to provide fast, safe, unhindered humanitarian access, helping war-affected populations rebuild their homes.
Chen Xu emphasized that peace is not a solo performance by any single country but a symphony played in harmony by all nations. China remains committed to the principles of non-interference in internal affairs, political solutions, objectivity and impartiality, and addressing both symptoms and root causes while upholding true multilateralism. China aims to foster consensus to end hostilities and pave the way for peace talks. As one of the initiators of the IHL Initiative, contracting party to Geneva Conventions and UNSC permanent member, China stands firm in its commitment to a shared future for mankind, and will continue to champion true multilateralism and work with all peace-loving nations to reaffirm its commitment to IHL, promoting lasting peace and universal security.