Ceasefire a ‘top priority’

China’s position paper on a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis represents “an important contribution,” a United Nations spokesman said on Feb 24.

“I think the plan put forward by the Chinese government is an important contribution,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told a regular press briefing.

“I think the call on the need to avoid the use of nuclear weapons is particularly important,” he added.

China on Feb 24 released a paper stating its position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, saying dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution. China has also called for international efforts to create conditions for the resumption of peace talks to resolve the Ukraine crisis.

A Chinese envoy to the United Nations on Feb 23 told a resumed emergency special session of the UN General Assembly that facilitating a ceasefire in Ukraine is a top priority, and the international community should work together to promote peace talks.

“China’s position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be upheld,” said Dai

Bing, charge d’affaires at the Chinese Permanent Mission to the UN.

“The legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously, and all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis should be supported,” he said.

The 11th emergency session of the General Assembly resumed on Feb 22 two days before the first anniversary of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

“The top priority is to facilitate a ceasefire and a cessation of hostilities without delay,” Dai emphasized, adding that conflicts and wars have no winners. “The longer the brutality, the greater the human suffering.”

He called on the parties to the conflict to remain rational, restrain their impulses and prevent the crisis from getting worse or even out of control.

Dai reiterated that nuclear weapons cannot be used.

“Nuclear war cannot be fought. All parties should join together against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons, prevent nuclear proliferation and avoid a nuclear crisis,” he said.

Dai said dialogue and negotiation are “the only viable way to resolve the Ukraine crisis”.

“The lessons of history tell us that crises can ultimately be resolved peacefully. No matter how difficult it is, the door to a political solution cannot be closed,” he said.