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E-mail CGTN, November 1, 2024
A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on the United States not to obstruct peace efforts in the Ukraine crisis, as U.S.-led arms transfers to Kyiv continue.
Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks at a UN Security Council meeting, where UN Undersecretary-General for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu noted that the Ukrainian armed forces continue to receive arms transfers and other forms of military support, including heavy conventional weapons.
Nakamitsu expressed concern over the use and transfer of cluster munitions, highlighting their indiscriminate nature and potential for widespread pollution.
Geng said the immediate priority is to adhere to the principles of no battlefield spillover, no escalation of hostilities, and no incitement by any party to quickly de-escalate the situation and seek a political solution to the crisis.
China urges parties involved in the conflict to demonstrate political will and engage in peace talks as soon as possible, Geng said. He also called on the international community to create favorable conditions and provide constructive assistance for this process.
It is the United States that has been aggravating security tensions in Europe, increasing trust deficits and promoting divisive confrontations, Geng said, adding that after the conflict broke out, the U.S. continued to send weapons to the battlefield, openly advocating for the weakening and defeat of Russia, pushing its geopolitical strategy in a blatant manner.
It is also the U.S. that has repeatedly smeared China's peace efforts, tied China to Russia, tried to drive a wedge between China and Europe, and deliberately fostered camp-based rivalry, said the Chinese diplomat.
Selling fear, creating enemies and inciting confrontation will not only bring disputes and chaos to the world but will also ultimately harm the U.S. itself, Geng warned.
China has not provided weapons to any party in the Ukraine conflict and has strictly controlled dual-use items, Geng said in response to Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood's accusations that China has provided decisive support for Russia.
Chinese companies engage in regular trade with countries worldwide, including Russia and Ukraine, in compliance with World Trade Organization rules and market principles, and are beyond reproach, Geng added.
From the very beginning, China has called for a ceasefire, an end to hostilities, the resolution of disputes through diplomatic negotiations, and a push toward a political solution, according to the Chinese envoy.
Over the past three years, China has been vocal and active in these efforts, he said. "Who is truly supporting peace, and who is obstructing it? I think the international community sees this very clearly."
China opposes the United States' use of the Ukraine issue to discredit and pressure China, imposing unilateral sanctions and illegal "long-arm jurisdiction" on Chinese entities and individuals, Geng said, adding that China will take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens.
