China at UNSC Briefing on Biological Security Issue of Ukraine

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Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, Zhang Jun
China at UNSC Briefing on Biological Security Issue of Ukraine

New York, 19 March 2022 (TDI): Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Zhang Jun gave a statement at the UN Security Council Briefing on the Biological Security Issue of Ukraine.

Following is the text of the statement:

Remarks by Ambassador Zhang Jun at the UN Security Council Briefing on the Biological Security Issue of Ukraine

Mr. President,

China has stated its position on the Ukraine issue many times. Under the current situation, it is the shared desire of the international community to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible to avoid more civilian casualties and to prevent a massive humanitarian crisis, which is also what China is hoping for.

Direct negotiations between the parties concerned are the fundamental way to solve the problem. Russia and Ukraine have held four rounds of negotiations. With the negotiations continuing, there is hope for a ceasefire and a peaceful future. China will continue to facilitate dialogues for peace.

We support the UN and all parties in ramping up mediation efforts, and hope that all parties can do more that are conducive to promoting peace talks, rather than adding fuel to the fire. Behind the Ukraine crisis is the issue of European security.

It is our hope that the United States, the European Union and NATO can sit down with Russia for in-depth and comprehensive dialogues and explore ways to put in place a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism based on the principle of indivisible security, so as to achieve lasting peace and stability in Europe.

China’s position on weapons of mass destruction and biological security is consistent and clear. China stands for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all weapons of mass destruction, including biological and chemical weapons.

China resolutely opposes the development, possession or use of biological and chemical weapons by any country under any circumstance, and urges countries that have not done so to destroy their chemical weapons stockpiles as soon as possible.

Complying with the Biological Weapons Convention is the obligation of all state parties. We call for early negotiations on the establishment of a BWC verification regime, which will help improve the global biosecurity.

China was once a victim of chemical and biological weapons. China believes that any information and lead on biological military activities should trigger heightened concern and attention of the international community to avoid irreparable harm.

In this regard, relevant parties should take a responsible approach. Russia has further revealed the newly discovered relevant documents. The party concerned should respond to questions, and offer timely and comprehensive clarifications to remove the doubts of the international community. We do not consider it too much to ask. And on this issue, no double standards should be applied.

Thank you, Mr. President.