Zhang Jun (C, front), China's permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during the Security Council emergency meeting on Ukraine at the UN headquarters in New York, Feb. 21, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

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Actions taken by the UN Security Council should help cool the situation and facilitate diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine situation rather than fueling tensions, Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, said in his speech after China abstained from voting on the Ukraine situation. 

Zhang said the top priority now is for all parties to exercise the necessary restraint to prevent the current situation in Ukraine from getting worse. China supports and encourages all diplomatic efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis. China welcomes the earliest possible direct dialogue and negotiation between Russia and Ukraine.

China also supports the EU and Russia to have equal-footed dialogue on European security issues and implement the philosophy of indivisible security, so as to form a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism, Zhang said.

China believes that the UN Security Council should give priority to regional peace and stability and the universal security, and play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine issue. Actions taken by the Security Council should help cool the situation and facilitate diplomatic resolution rather than fueling tensions or causing further escalation, Zhang noted. 

Global Times