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)

The international community should stick to the overall direction of a political settlement and foster an enabling atmosphere and condition for direct dialogues between the parties concerned, China's permanent representative to the UN Zhang Jun said at an Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday after China abstained from voting on the issue.

Zhang said the situation in Ukraine continues to undergo dramatic changes, and China's basic position on the issue is consistent and unequivocal -- all countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. All international disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter, he said. 

The top priority at present is to prevent the situation in Ukraine from escalating or even getting out of control, Zhang noted. Despite their differences in Russia and Ukraine's first round of talks, both sides have shown willingness to continue the negotiations. 

Explaining on why China abstained in the vote, Zhang said that any action by the UN should give priority to regional peace and stability and the universal security of all, and should play a positive role to promote de-escalation and diplomatic solutions. "Regrettably, the draft resolution submitted to this emergency special session for vote has not taken full consideration the history and complexity of the current crisis. It does not highlight the importance of the principle of indivisible security, or the urgency of promoting political settlement and stepping up diplomatic efforts. These are not in line with China's consistent positions." 

Zhang stressed that the final settlement of the Ukraine crisis requires abandoning the Cold War mentality and 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, conduct negotiations to put in place a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism. 

"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. We call on the international community to take a responsible attitude and promote relevant parties to immediately return to the track of political settlement. China is ready to continue its constructive role in this regard," the representative said. 

The weeklong Russia's military operation in Ukraine is being closely observed all over the world, as the rising cost of the war is being felt not only by Russia and Ukraine, but also Europe, and has made the second round of negotiations for a possible ceasefire an urgent issue.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba at the latter's invitation on Tuesday. Kuleba said "China has played a constructive role on this issue and that Ukraine is ready to step up communication with China. He looked forward to China's mediation efforts for the ceasefire." The conversation proved that the accusations and reports to distort China's neutral stance from some Western politicians and media are groundless.

Global Times